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Profile:
Name: YMCA - Young Men's Christian Association
Founded: 1844
Lineage: Christianity > Protestantism
Founder:
Name: George Williams
History:
The Young Men's Christian Association began in London as an evangelical mission,
a consequence of the wave of reform and religious fervor which stemmed from the
Second Great Awakening which started in the United States in the early 19th century.
Eventually YMCA chapters in different city ended their official affiliation with Protestant churches and became autonomous organizations. Leadership was composed of lay people, often local business leaders, and not clergy. The purpose of local YMCA chapters was to provide room, board, and educational opportunities to young men who had moved to the large cities from rural areas. During the Civil War they also provided religious literature for soldiers at the front.
Although there were times when a religious, evangelical mission for the YMCA was emphasized, for the most part it developed a largely secular mission which focused upon the entirety of a person's life - physical, psychological, and religious. An important point in understanding the YMCA is to note that it grew as the American cities grew during the industrial revolution. They provided a means by which new arrivals to the large cities could become integrated into the urban culture while also providing alternatives to saloons, gambling, and other urban vices.
The history of the YMCA is not, however, without its dark spots. For one thing, the YMCA was an active supporter of efforts to get "obscene" materials banned, especially from the post. Anthony Comstock was a YMCA member when he began his national campaigns at censorship which were funded by business leaders who were also YMCA leaders. In addition, the YMCA was often used to protect white Protestant youths from immigrants and racial minorities in the cities. They kept the groups from extensive contact with each other, thus fostering increased ignorance and prejudice.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
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