| History of the YMCA |
George Williams and the small group of other young
men who set up the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) had a great
belief in what they were doing - but they probably have been amazed a
the scale and scope of the worldwide movement that emerged. Here we
examine the movement's origins and the contributions of George Williams. During June and early July 1844 a series of discussions took place in rooms above Hitchcock and Rogers drapers shop in St. Paul's Churchyard. George Williams, Christopher Smith, Edward Valentine, John Symons, and the eight, nine, or ten other young men involved, discussed setting up what quickly became known as The Young Men's Christian Association. They set out with 'the view of uniting and directing the efforts of Christian young men for the spiritual welfare of their fellows in the various departments of commercial life. In other words, they began by looking to the needs of people like themselves - a form of mutual aid. As the Movement grew, those involved were quick to amend rules and activities in response to the needs they identified. For example, by 1848 the object of the Association was not just 'spiritual' but also 'mental' improvement; and the concern was with young men in general. The one association within a year had branches in the West End, Islington, Pamlico, Southwark - and then in Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Exeter, Bristol, Plymouth and Hull. These then became independent associations. Furthermore, following the activities of the London Association during the Great Exhibition of 1851 associations spread to Australia, France, India, and to North America. So was formed the distinctive shape of the Movement. It was to be a movement of, by and for young men; built around faith in Jesus Christ. It was to be evangelizing; ecumenical in spirit and membership; and to be concerned with improving social conditions and promoting learning. Central to this was 'the duty of Christian young men to witness in practical ways to their faith in the sphere of their daily life. Crucially, YMCAs were organized around collective effort via the formation of local associations. While George Williams may be honored as the founder - the growth of the Movement was very much as associational effort. Page 2 |
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