Preparation for the General Secretaryship, by Jacob T. Bowne
Description:
Preparation for the General Secretaryship written by Jacob Titus Bowne. The booklet was originally a paper written for and read before the Joint Convention of the Young Men's Christian Associations of Massachusetts and Rhode Island on October 10, 1885. This copy contains a letter written from J.T. Bowne to his brother explaining the purpose of the booklet and asking for any criticisms or suggestions he may have. Bowne's booklet explains the purpose of the General Secretary within the YMCA and the qualities needed in a man to fulfill that role. Bowne also provides explanation as to the need for a training program for young men interested in that profession and how the School for Christian Workers (now Springfield College) fulfills that need.
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Jacob T. Bowne came to the School for Christian Workers (now Springfield College) in 1885 to head the YMCA Secretarial Department. Bowne was the first head of the department, which trained young men for work as executives at YMCAs in the United States and around the world. Bowne is known as the “father of professional education” in the YMCA and worked at Springfield College until his retirement in 1925. While at the college, Bowne played an integral role in the building of Marsh Memorial Library and became the school’s first librarian. Bowne was known for his modesty and whenever anyone tried to express their gratitude to him his response was “pass it on.” An avid collector and the YMCA’s first archivist, Bowne’s YMCA materials form the basis for the YMCA archives housed at the University of Minnesota. Bowne died shortly after his retirement in 1925 at the age of 78.
