SPERRY SEES RISE OF RELIGION AT HARVARD

University students are probably more religious than the population at large, stated Dean Sperry in his annual report today. He pointed out that figures show that religious affiliations are claimed by 80 per cent of the students while only 55 per cent of the country's adult population are members of religious groups.

The latest figures from Phillips Brooks House show that out of 7,112 students registered, 5,914 are affiliated with churches. Dean Sperry declares that these statistics indicate: "that our Universities, so far from being more irreligious than the world outside, can probably presuppose a greater familiarity with religion-at-large and a more serious interest in its concerns than is the case with the total population of the country."

Attendance at the Daily Prayers in the Harvard Memorial Church has increased substantially during the past year, Dean Sperry reported. The total attendance last year at 208 such services was 14,135, an average of 68 per service. The average previously was 58. He also announced the formation of a new "Chapel Club" among the undergraduates attending the services. A membership of about 50 has enlisted and a number of meetings have been held throughout the year for the discussion or religious questions.