A short history of the YMCA

The YMCA movement was founded in London in 1844 by George Williams, a young man who had come to London from Somerset to learn the drapery trade. George Williams became increasingly concerned about the welfare large numbers of young men employed in drapery, so he held prayer meetings and bible studies in his lodgings with other young drapery assistants who shared his Christian faith.

It was not long before the group expanded, drawing to it young men who were alone and lonely in the City of London. From this it quickly grew and George Williams and his friends recognised that they should not just serve young Christians and offer them support, but that they should work with all people and meet the needs of all those with whom they worked day by day.

An important distinction was made at this point that the organisation should become the Young Men’s Christian Association, not the Young Christian Men’s Association.

The principle remains central to the philosophy of YMCA work. The YMCA remains a Christian and voluntary organisation which now works with women and men, of all faiths and none. It has grown into an international organisation active in over 120 countries.

For more information please visit the website of the World Alliance of YMCAs

Did you know?

• The World Alliance of YMCAs was created in 1855, making it the world’s oldest international charity
• The three sides of the YMCA’s red triangle signify the equal importance given to ‘body, mind and spirit’ – YMCA programmes for young people aim to address their needs in an holistic way
• Today there are YMCAs in more than 120 countries
• The World Alliance of YMCAs, based in Geneva, represents the YMCA movement at global level, including at the United Nations and other international bodies