THE CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

The Harvard Christian Association began its work this fall by sending to all members of the present Freshman class the small hand-book, containing information about the religious societies and the different organizations in college. Over seventeen hundred copies were distributed in this way and at the beginning of the year, but even that number was insufficient to meet the demand. During the week preceding the day of registration, an information bureau was opened in Holden Chapel, where several members of the association were present daily to welcome and assist new students. A list of three hundred boarding places was carefully prepared, thus enlarging the similar work of the college office. On October 6th, a reception was held, at which addresses were made by Professor Peabody, Mr. Montague Chamberlain, and Dr. McKenzie.

Besides the weekly devotional meetings, the association has done considerable outside work. Nine delegates attended the state convention of the Y. M. C. A. at Worcester, and the same number of men spoke at meetings in three of the Cambridge churches during the week of prayer.

An active interest has also been taken in the Boston missions. Five Harvard men have conducted prayer meetings at the Industrial Home on Davis street, while seven others have been teaching in a Chinese Sunday School at the corner of Beacon and Somerset streets. Four members of the association are working among the sailors on T wharf.

Classes in Bible study were formed about the first of November and will continue until the middle of May. Thirty-five men have already joined these classes, which are led by Dr. A. C. Garrett, Mr. J. H. Ropes, G. Gleason 1 G., and E. B. Barton '98. A class in Foreign Missions, composed of five men, meets once a week to study the mission work that is being done all over the world.

The members of the Christian Association at present number 153, which is a very good showing for so early in the year. Of the fifty-six new members added this year twenty-seven are from the Freshman class.

The Association's expenses for the past two months have been $125. Besides this over $50 has been raised for the international committee of the Y. M. C. A., and it is hoped that $100 may be obtained during the winter for Foreign Missions.

This fall the St. Paul's Society, the Religious Union, and the Catholic Club joined with the Christian Association in holding union meetings, the first of which was addressed by Dean Hodges. Professor Palmer will speak at the second meeting on December 20.

At present the Association is trying to interest more men in the Sailor Mission, and expects that some of its members will assist in the work at the North End Mission. Delegates will be sent to the preparatory schools, as was done last year. Mr. Gailey, of the '96 Princeton football team, will speak in Holden Chapel, December 9.

The Association feels indebted for whatever success it has had this year to the supervision and planning of G. Gleason 1 G., General Secretary.