Young Men's Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.) records

The Y.M.C.A. branch at Bowdoin College developed from the College's Praying Circle Society, which voted to become a branch of the Young Men's Christian Association, (Y.M.C.A.) in 1882. The Bowdoin Y.M.C.A. received printed material from the national Y.M.C.A., and students attended conferences with Y.M.C.A. students at other colleges. In addition to holding student prayer meetings and meetings addressed by a faculty member or visiting clergyman, the Bowdoin Y.M.C.A. promoted service. Activities included textbook aid to needy Bowdoin students, leadership in Brunswick boys' gymnastic clubs, and financial assistance to missionaries in India and Labrador. In the late 1920's the Bowdoin Y.M.C.A. became the Bowdoin Christian Association. The records contain a constitution, correspondence, invitations, programs, records, reports, and other printed material.