YMCA at Duke University.

The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) was established at then Trinity College in 1887-1888. In its early years, it functioned primarily as a sort of Bible class. Although it never abandoned its emphasis on Christianity, in its later years the YMCA dedicated itself more to campus and social service projects than Bible study.

The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) at Duke University was established at Trinity College in 1887-1888. In its early years, it functioned primarily as a sort of Bible class. Although it never abandoned its emphasis on Christianity, in its later years the YMCA dedicated itself more to campus and social service projects than Bible study. It was one of the largest and most influential of the student organizations. Activities for the years 1947-1967 include the Edgemont Community Center, Wright's Refuge, Freshman Orientation Week, publication of the student handbook, Religious Emphasis Week, Dads' Day, discussion groups, vespers services, Bible study, and student ushers for Duke Chapel. A Board of Directors composed of faculty and administration members oversaw the YMCA.

In 1969, the YMCA merged with the Young Women's Christian Association to form the YM-YWCA. Post-merger activities include draft counseling, Vietnam seminars and discussions, sponsorship of speakers and activists, promotion of Black Days, and so on. The organization ceased functioning in 1980-1981. See also issues of the Chanticleer, the Chronicle, and student handbooks as well as The Front Line: Materials for a Study of Leadership in College and After by Ben M. Patrick (Duke University, 1938) for more historical details. See YM-YWCA Institute for Nonviolent Study and Action and YWCA materials for more detail on collaborative activities in the 1960s-1970s.