Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1914 [PAGE 599]

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1913]

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

APPROPRIATION FOR S U N D A Y EVENING ADDRESSES.

597

(14) The following request from the pastors of the churches working near the University for cooperation in the holding of all University undenominational religious services, accompanies by a letter from Rev. E. W. Blakeman descriptive of the exercises of this kind held at the University of "Wisconsin: President B. J. James, Urbana, III. DEAR S I R : I am writing as the representative of the churches Working about the University. It has seemed to us, after discussion, that an all-University religious service at certain stated times, participated in jointly by the University and the religious forces about the campus, is greatly to be desired. I t would be of value to all concerned, we feel sure. We would be glad to have the University inaugurate such a service, bringing here speakers of national reputation—Jews, Catholics, and Protestants—men whom we can be sure will rise above sectarian speech. We suggest that one Sunday night each month during the heart of the school year be set apart for this purpose. We will gladly cooperate in any way that we can to make the plan a success, should it meet the approval of the University authorities. Kansas University has a weekly vesper service of this sort, in addition to a religious week some time during the year—corresponding in the religious field somewhat to our Short Course in Agriculture here. The University of Minnesota is just inaugurating a weekly Sunday vesper service. The University of Wisconsin has rather an individual plan—the details of which are given in the enclosed letter from Mr. Blakeman, of Wisconsin, to Mr. Baker. Indeed the movement toward something of this character among the State institutions seems quite general. Respectfully- yours, 10 March, 1913.

MARTIN E. ANDERSON, JAMES C. BAKER.

[REV. MR. BLAKEMAN'S LETTER.] Rev. James G. Baker, D.D., Urbana, III.

MADISON,, WIS.., J a n u a r y 24, 1913.

inquiry was brought about by the University Pastors' Association at the University of Wisconsin about as follows: The pastors of the five denominations with the Christian Association secretaries form, with us, one group known as the University Pastors' Association. We called upon the President of the University and stated the advisability of having the students in an all-University assembly, addressed occasionally by great teachers, preachers, and reformers. We proposed that from a list of ten nominated by us, the president elect five. That each of the five be invited by the University, upon a consideration of $100, to deliver a "Convocation Address," and then 'be retained by the Pastors' Association for a series of religious addresses over a week end. The President and the Regents of the University approved, and the plan works successfully. Such men as Bishop McDowell, Hugh Black, President Vincent, Henry Van Dyke, Bishop MeConriell, and Chancellor Strong have been with us. During the visit we • usually have a luncheon to which members of the faculty 'only, with the pastors, are invited. At this time certain student moral and spiritual problems are discussed. These meetings have been as fruitful of suggestion as any it has been my privilege to attend. Different members of the faculty speak, and the guest is early made acquainted with the professors. He then feels at home in our midst and much freedom results. Hoping that during future years we may at times exchange speakers with Illinois in some way, and wishing you continued success in the work of the church at Urbana-Champaign, I am Yours fraternally,

E. W. BLAKEMAN.

DEAR BROTHER BAKER: The "Convocation Series" concerning which you make

On motion of Mrs. Busey, it was voted that the President of the University be authorized to organize a series of Sunday evening addresses byrepresentatives of various religious denominations, and that an appropriation of one thousand dollars ($1,000) be made to defray the expense of these addresses. The vote was as follows: Ayes, Mr. Abbott, Mr. Blair, Mrs. Busey, Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Henrotin, Mr. Hoit, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Moore, Mr. Trevett, Miss Watson; noes, none; absent, Mr. Dunne, Mr. Meeker.

DIRECTORY OF M A T R I C U L A N T S .

(15) A recommendation that the President of the University be authorized to issue a directory which shall include a list of all students who have attended the University since its opening in 1868, with information as to the period of residence, degree or degrees he]d, present occupation, and present address, of each person, with such other information as may be conveniently obtained and printed; the estimated cost of publication being sixty-five hundred dollars ($6,500).

On motion of Mr. Hoit, this recommendation was approved, and the appropriation of sixty-five hundred dollars ($6500) involved was made. The vote was as follows: Ayes, Mr. Abbott, Mr. Blair, Mrs. Busey, Mrs. Evans,