CHEEK DESCRIBES P. B. H. ACTIVITIES

The following article was written especially for the CRIMSON by M. A. Cheek '26, Graduate Secretary of the Phillips Brooks House Association and former football captain and First Marshall of his class. It deals with the work and organization of the Phillips Brooks House.

At this time of year the casual visitor to the College Yard--if there are casual visitors at this time of year--might easily be led to think that the old order hath changed and that all roads now lead to the Phillips Brooks House. Hither wend their way perplexed Freshmen seeking information; artful upperclassmen seeking Freshmen Handbooks, and vexed graduate students seeking rooms. Hither soon will turn the thrifty seeking text books at small expense. Soon will follow the hungry their mouths watering at the thought of refreshments which follow the receptions for Freshmen, Graduate students, Law students and others. More leisurely will amble those of high intent to volunteer their time and effort for social service, for deputations, for public speaking and other activities. Sooner or later, most students find some cause to enter this building of extra-ordinary diversities.

The casual visitor will probably wonder what is the Phillips Brooks House; and wander on without finding out, but for the new student facing four years of exposure to its various activities, it is

wise to learn early in his career. The Phillips Brooks House was built with funds contributed by a host of friends and admirers of Phillips Brooks. It was dedicated in 1901 in his memory to "Piety, Charity and Hospitality." With these three stones for a foundation the scope of its work has grown and is growing to include any and all service which may be of benefit to the students, the University or the Community. It has become the link between the store house of thought and action, that is the student body and the small world which surrounds it.

The work of the House is carried on by the Phillips Brooks House Association and is entirely in the hands of students. A cabinet, headed by an undergraduate president and made up of the chairmen of the various committees among which the work of the Phillips Brooks House Association is divided, determines the policies and practices of the organization. The Association is made up of the students who are participating in the work, and participation is the only requisite for membership. A graduate secretary lends his effort and advice to the work and to the cabinet. This is, in brief, the organization.

In the fall of the year, the first great effort of the Phillips Brooks House Association is in welcoming the new students and helping them to become acclimated. A Handbook containing condensed information on many subjects of interest to the new man is published and distributed until the depradations of upper classmen exhaust the supply. An information bureau is maintained in the parlors of the House during the week before registration. After registration, receptions are given for Freshmen, graduate students, and students from other countries. The work does not stop with receptions, however, and an "Open House" is held from time to time, particularly at Thanksgiving and Christmas. When the rush of opening week quiets down, the various functions of the Association begin to manifest themselves. The Social Service Committee helps all men who are interested in doing philanthropic work to find some outlet for their interest. About 200 Harvard men annually do work through this committee which varies in scope from Sunday School Teaching to Juvenile Court service. The