McBurney's Tower Room, 1876

Item Information

Title:
McBurney's Tower Room, 1876
Description:
This photograph portrays the "Tower Room" which Robert M. McBurney used at the Old 23rd St YMCA building in New York City. There can be seen a medium sized round table in the middle, surrounded by book cabinets behind it and at its side, chairs and a table with a crucifix on the right side of the picture. Notice the photograph sitting on the table on the right , it is believed that the photograph depicts Richard Morse, a general secretary of the YMCA’s International Committee during the late 19th century and one of the original members of the World’s Committee from 1878 to 1888, also active in the New York City association. Robert McBurney, trustee of the YMCA Training School, now Springfield College. Robert Ross McBurney was born at Castleblayney, County Monaghan, Ireland on March 31, 1837. "When seventeen he came to New York, where he learned the hatter's trade. Eight years later [at age 25] he became 'librarian' of the New York Y.M.C.A., then occupying rooms on the second floor at 659 Broadway. ...McBurney was for thirty years a member of the Y.M.C.A. International Committee; and as its corresponding member he in 1866 called the first New York State Convention which he for three years served as president. He was seven times a delegate to the triennial World's Conference, held in Europe; in 1871 he was one of the founders and till his death was a leader of the Association of General Secretaries of North America. He was active outside of the association; he was a lifelong member and for many years an official of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church; from 1867 an active member of the executive committee of the Evangelical Alliance. Besides these activities, he was an active participant and director in many enterprises and institutions directed to philanthropic and religious ends. He was not a college graduate, but he read widely and carefully. He was a close student of the Bible and a successful teacher. ... He was distinguished for his sturdy Scotch character, strong common sense, energy, tact, and executive ability, with an integrity and conscientiousness that were never questioned. He was above all a lover of young men and his large hearted and practical sympathy never failed. Perhaps no other man in his generation touched and helped so many young men. " McBurney died at Clifton Springs, N.Y., December 27, 1898. (The New Schaff-Herzob Encyclopdia of Religious Knowledge, Vol. VII [http://www.ccel.org/])
Creator:
Orne, R. M.
Date:
[1876?]
Format:
Photographs
Location:
Springfield College Archives and Special Collections
Collection (local):
College Archives Digital Collections
Series:
Trustee Records
Subjects:
Young Men's Christian Association of North America
McBurney, Robert Ross, 1837-1898
Portraits
Extent:
10 x 12.5 cm.
Link to Item:
http://cdm16122.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p15370coll2/id/10438
Terms of Use:
Text and images are owned, held, or licensed by Springfield College and are available for personal, non-commercial, and educational use, provided that ownership is properly cited. A credit line is required and should read: Courtesy of Springfield College, Babson Library, Archives and Special Collections. Any commercial use without written permission from Springfield College is strictly prohibited. Other individuals or entities other than, and in addition to, Springfield College may also own copyrights and other propriety rights. The publishing, exhibiting, or broadcasting party assumes all responsibility for clearing reproduction rights and for any infringement of United States copyright law.
Contact host institution for more information.
Publisher:
Springfield College
Notes:
A pencilled caption on the back of the photograph reads: "Return to Mr. Orne N.3 West 29th St. NY 21389". Another one states: "R. M. Orne NYC (?) 1889-1890 430 West 30St (?)".
Identifier:
SC18854