CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION

The Dartmouth Christian Association takes up the work of the present College year under conditions which are perhaps the most encouraging of, any in its history. Through a special fund it is possible, during a period of three years, to employ a graduate secretary to give his whole time to the development of its work among the students, and Mr. A. K. Skinner of the class of 1903 is acting in this capacity. Steps will be taken to create an additional fund which will make possible the permanent employment of a secretary.

The time has been, as many Dartmouth alumni know, when the association occupied a place of little vital importance in the life of the College, but the faithful effort of a few, the enrollment of more prominent men among its membership, and a broader and more intelligent view of its sphere of usefulness, coupled with other influences, perhaps as strong, have placed the association on a footing where it can congratulate itself that it has the general sympathy of the undergraduate body, as well as the active co-operation of some of the strongest men in College.

The purpose of the Christian Association should commend itself to every Dartmouth man. Stated in a comprehensive way, that purpose is, to organize and direct the religious life of the College, to serve the students and community in every possible way, and to influence men to choose their life-work from the point of view of the service they may render to the world.

Seeking to follow out such a purpose the association through its several departments takes up various lines of work.

Bible study is today occupying a place of ever increasing importance in the thought and activity of students in our colleges. The Dartmouth Association has arranged some attractive and comprehensive courses for the College year, briefly outlined as follows:

I. Lecture course on "Epochs of Religious Faith," designed to show the evolution of religious thought and of the modern church.

II. A biographical study of "Great Men of the Old Testament," open to Freshmen and Sophomores.

III. A study of the "Essence of Christianity," based on Harnack's book. “What is Christianity?" open to Juniors and Seniors.

IV. Lecture course on the "Application of the Social Teachings of Christ to Modern Social Conditions."

Courses II and III will be conducted under the group system. A central normal group of leaders meets together for instruction, and in turn these men lead other groups, thus reaching a large number.

Realizing that ignorance of missionary effort is the chief reason for lack of interest in, and non-support of missions, mission study courses will be offered with a view to enabling men to get a general survey of the missionary movement and definite knowledge of some one field.

It is the purpose of the association, if possible, to carry on some sort of work for boys in neighboring towns where nothing of the kind is being attempted.

Last year the work of securing men to tutor candidates for the various athletic teams who were in danger of not meeting their College requirements was undertaken with good success. In this way the College did not lose the services of some of its athletes. This work will be continued during the present year.

Through its Employment Bureau, the association last year rendered no little service to needy students in search of work, not only in and about College, but also in finding employment for many during the summer months. In this employment bureau the association recognizes an instrument of especial usefulness to the College and attention will be given to make it more efficient than heretofore.

The annual reception to new students given the first Saturday evening of the fall term, was attended this year by about four hundred men, and there was abundant evidence that the evening was thoroughly enjoyed. The social committee is planning for other socials during the year.

The work here mentioned includes only main features. The association desires the real interest and willing cooperation of Dartmouth alumni, and extends to all a hearty invitation to follow its work and to offer suggestions at any time.

Thoroughly organized, wisely directed, and loyally supported, the Dartmouth Christian Association has possibilities for the best welfare of Dartmouth College, which no other organization can claim.