The YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) organization at Clemson began in 1894, a year after the school opened. In 1913, Clemson President Walter M. Riggs received permission from the Board of Trustees to seek aid from John D. Rockefeller for a YMCA building on campus as a center for the organization's religious, recreational and social functions. Architect Rudolph E. Lee designed the building to be in the Italian Renaissance style of architecture and it was completed by January 1916. Some of the facilities included a gym for basketball and wrestling, a pool for swimming, and an auditorium for showing picture shows. The YMCA also sponsored Sunday evening Vesper Services, Evening Watch prayer groups and Bible discussion in the barracks and later the dormitories. In 1971, the University Board of Trustees voted to name the YMCA building for Preston Brooks Holtzendorff, Jr. (1894-1971) who served as General Secretary for over forty years.
From the description of Clemson University Young Men's Christian Association, Association records, 1911-1975. (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 138311550
