The Young Men's Chrisitan Association of Rutgers College was founded on May 6, 1876. According to its consittution, "The object of this Association shall be to further the cause of Christ in Rutgers College." The presiding president of the Association was college President Dr. William H. Campbell until 1886, when the constitution was changed to allow an undergraduate to serve as president. The Association gradually made a transition from strictly religious activities to more secular programs. Early activities consisted of Noon-Day Prayer Meetings and the Weekly "Devotional Meeting" or Regular Prayer Meetings. Class Deacons or officers were elected to encourage class participation and to monitor attendance. Guest speakers originally focused on religious and moral topics, but later, political and social issues were also emphasized. As the Association grew, Bible study classes were organized and were active in the dormitories and fraternities. Intercollegiate relationships were encouraged through participation in conventions and conferences. Social activities were begun like the freshman reception, the employment bureau, and missionary work. The YMCA also produced a handbook for incoming freshmen.
From the description of Records, 1876-1926 (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 78556865
