DARTMOUTH CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION

The Christian Association can no longer be considered an ordinary college organization. Its work now takes in so many lines of activity that it must , assume the position of the religious and social-service department of the College. The development of the religious and unselfish side of a man s character in college is as important as any other development, and the Christian Associa- tion is the only organization which has this as its definite object. It therefore must assume and is assuming a constantly higher place in the life of the College.

Working with a cabinet of fifteen able men in twelve departments, nine of which have been very active, the Christian Association has covered a broad field of activity. Oyer a hundred men have been engaged in its work. These men have been used in deputation work, as bible group leaders, and as committeemen. Beside this three hundred and forty-five men have been enrolled in bible classes, fifty in mission study, and abouth three-quarters of the whole College has supported the Association m a financial canvass. There have been four hundred and fifteen members in the Association. Several _ members of the faculty have given active support to the work, and the college administration has cooperated unhesitatingly. The alumni have contributed more financially and have shown greater interest than in any previous year. All these things make the past year seem more prosperous for the Association than any in its history.

In the special departments of the Association's work, the deputation work stands at the top in success and value. Although this work is outside the College, it gives an opportunity for service which is invaluable in a man's development. Sixty-nine men have taken part in this work, over thirty of them in the directly religious work of .influencing young men and boys to become Christians. The work has raised the reputation of the college in the surrounding country, has turned some valuable young men toward Dartmouth, and has helped to rejuvenate the religious life of many communities.

The membership of the Association has been put on a new basis. Previously the constitution required that only members of evangelical churches could vote or hold office in the Association. With the sanction of the leaders of the student department of the International Committee, a new basis has been adopted by which any man who "desires to be a disciple of Jesus Christ in life and service" is eligible to all the privileges of the Association. Most of the other New England college associations have adopted the same basis. It is expected that this will emphasize better the true purpose of the Association, and will make membership mean much more than it has ever meant before.

In connection with the mission study this year, seventeen men took part m the "World in Boston." They went in relays, and by acting as natives of Turkey were able to get into the spirit of the Exposition. It- is hoped that before long alumni and undergraduates will unite m the support of some missionary enterprise by Dartmouth men. Several other colleges are already doing this.

Through the cooperation of president Nichols, a sum of money has been apportioned to the redecoration of rooms in Bartlett Hall. Members of the Alumni Committee are now working for money to furnish the living room. This will help to make Bartlett Hall a social center.

The great lack of the Association is still the power to be of positive influence over the whole College. Increasing executive work makes it more and more difficult for the Graduate Secretary to help individual men meet their personal problems. It is hoped that next year an Assistant Secretary can be secure

who will free Mr. H. S. Trask '11, the incoming graduate secretary, from many office duties, in order that he may put his greatest attention on the problems of the college. In this way the Association should take a more influential place in the life of the campus.