YMCA Celebrates Its 173rd Anniversary

YMCA celebrates its 173rd anniversary on 6 June 2017
The Young Men's Christian Organization has been around for a long, long time, and it looks set to stay.  Wikipedia Commons

Young people often have energy to expend, and without the right kind of guidance, things can go awry pretty quickly. George Williams knew this, which is why he founded the Young Men’s Christian Association, also known as YMCA in short or the Y. He did so in London 173 years ago, and today, this worldwide organization is based in Geneva, Switzerland, boasting over 57 million beneficiaries with 125 national associations. The whole idea behind the YMCA is to entrench Christian principles into practice through the development of a healthy "body, mind, and spirit." All of these three angles are seen in the red triangle that makes up the YMCA logo. I clearly remember reading an anecdote about the YMCA when I was a wee lad, touting how the game of basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith in 1891 while he was working at the YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Since the YMCA was incorporated on 6 June, 1844, it experienced a rapid expansion, ending up as a worldwide that continue to stress on the principles of Muscular Christianity. Many local YMCAs have also seen a degree of localization implemented, as different cultures need to be approached differently. A vast number of YMCAs do get involved in a range of charitable activities, from offering athletic facilities to hosting classes throughout the week. These classes can be language classes to pick up a new language, or perhaps a living skill that would come in handy. Depending on the country in which the YMCA is based in, it can be a mission base to proselytize Christianity, but of course such activities tend to be strictly forbidden in Muslim-majority countries for security reasons, limiting the scope of the YMCA to just humanitarian work. A whole lot of it depends on the leadership, since national or local organizations have varying levels of emphasis when it comes to its religious mission.

The various local YMCAs tend to be voluntarily affiliated via their national organizations, while the national organizations would make up an Area Alliance and the World Alliance of YMCAs. The World Alliance's main motto happens to be "empowering young people", and depending on your worldview, there are many different ways of doing so.

Do check with your local YMCA to see whether there are any celebrations in place that is happening today to commemorate the 173rd anniversary of the organization. We do know that YMCAs across England and Wales did come together for the YMCA World Challenge that was held last Saturday on 3 June, 2017, as part of the run up to the global organization’s 173rd anniversary. You can be sure that basketball would be a huge feature worldwide for many local chapters of the YMCA, as the sport celebrates its 126th anniversary this year.

How has your experience been with the local YMCA chapter so far? Have you had fond memories of the YMCA, or has the YMCA’s activities over the years help to shape the way you lived your life? Do share with us in the comments, as it is always a joy to read about how the lives of others are touched by a simple act of kindness that often goes unnoticed.

Many YMCAs today have also been redeveloped, being far more than just a community center where people come together to enjoy life, live, and learn together. In fact, YMCAs are also often strategically located in city centers and with some converting part of their buildings to hostels, it is also a popular place for tourists to find cheap, clean and safe accommodation for the night.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.