Kathryn White

Research Topic

'Social Evangelism: the Mission of the YMCA in the First World War'

My research focuses on the social experience of religion for soldiers in the First World War through the case study of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). Throughout the war the Association developed a network of recreation huts across the base camps and active fronts of the war to care for the 'mind, body and spirit' of soldiers in the British Army. This work focused on providing recreation, refreshment, education and fellowship for the men in an environment which would uphold Christian morality while also welcoming men of all faiths and none. My thesis seeks to understand the means through which the YMCA's social work could be used to encourage men towards religion, as well as the character of the Association's Christian teaching.

You can read more about my research and life as a DPhil student on my blog, where I write regular articles about the First World War, often featuring the YMCA.

I am studying at Pembroke College, where I hold the Julian Schild Scholarship.

My work builds upon my MA History of Warfare from the University of Birmingham and I have also studied BA Politics and Modern History at the University of Manchester.

Supervisor: Dr Matthew Grimley