Repository: UIHistories Project: Illio - 1896 [PAGE 148]

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Z$e (Ttct» QButfbtng of t$e Christian (^eeociatione.

(5T UK cut exhibited is a perspective of the proposed new Young Women's ami *_L Young Men's Christian Association Building. They already own, free from encumbrance, a very valuahle lot adjoining Engineering Hall on the east. The movement to secure this building started several years ago. In every instance, excepting two or three, where college association buildings have heen erected in this country, some one large giver has donated the hulk of the amount needed. These gifts have ranged all the way from *.">,<KH) to $50,000 or £<>O,000, making success of the project in each instance comparatively easy. It will, therefore, interest the readers of the [LLIO to know that the University of Illinois enjoys the distinction of having secured a larger amount than any University in the country in its GENERAL CANVASS among its students, alumni and immediate friends—exclusive of any large gift of several thousand dollars in a lump sum. Continuous and persistent work is heing carried on by the Building Committee day by day. It is only a question of time until this great work will come to a successful issue. There are several prayer circles, each meeting every day. A quiet hut deep and unremitting interest in the movement is evinced by the members of the Christian Associations, and it would seem that their faith and works must be eventuallv rewarded. The building they are laboring for is well worth the effort. It is unostentatious in external appearance, but thought in its interior to be one of the best arranged and most happily conceived College Association building thus far projected in the West. It will compare favorably with the great Eastern University buildings. Mr. Henry Lord Gay, the Chicago architect, pronounced the plans little short of an inspiration in their adaptation to the needs of a College Asso* elation. It is to be hoped that the day is not far distant wheu this pre-eminently useful structure may be added to our growing group of University buildings. 178