West London YMCA - Christian faith in action
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West London YMCA was founded as Ealing YMCA in 1870.



The birth of a movement
George Williams was born 11th October 1821 on a farm in Somerset. Some 20 years later he came to London to work as a sales assistant in a large drapery wholesalers. He became increasingly concerned about the firms young assistants who worked long hours and lived in cramped conditions. Deciding that he wanted to change the lives of his fellow workers and also share his Christian faith, he started a prayer meeting and bible study group. The aim was to "influence young men to spread the redeemer's kingdom amongst those by whom they are surrounded"
This quickly became a regular gathering with other companies getting involved and so on June 6th 1844 it was named YMCA hence the birth of the first YMCA in Britain.
Protrait of
George Williams
 
Growing Worldwide
The movement rapidly began to spread in Britain and overseas. The turning point was in 1851 at the Great Exhibition in Crystal Palace, London, which attracted people from all over the world. This helped to develop the links with other countries which resulted in a number of YMCA's opening in USA and Canada.

Present Day YMCA's
Throughout the years YMCA's have recognised the needs of the community and adapt to changing circumstances, which can range from providing food, drink and free writing paper to the soldiers during the world war, to bible readings, gospel preaching and camping holidays for young people.

West London YMCA meets the needs of the community through its various activities: youth, children, housing, health and fitness and much more. We aim to recognise the changes in our community and develop steps in meeting their needs. To find out more click here>

YMCA England
To find out more information about other YMCAs across England click here www.ymca.org.uk

World Alliance of YMCA's
The World Alliance of YMCA's is a confederation of National Councils of YMCA's around the world. It represents 122 countries and is still growing. Their mission is to led YMCA's to work with young people in the community regardless of religious, racial, gender or cultural background.

Y - Care
Y Care International is the international development agency of the YMCA movement. They focus on the needs of young people in the developing world who face severe economic and social conditions.

Some facts about YMCA

Did you know...
  • West London YMCA was first founded as Ealing YMCA in 1870.

  • In 1894 George Williams was knighted by Queen Victoria to mark the 50th anniversary of the YMCA work!

  • George Williams was buried in 1905 under the floor of St Paul's Cathedral, amongst the nations hero's.

  • There is a stained glass window in Westminister Abbey, complete with red triangle as a dedication YMCA's work, to George Williams and the Y's work during the first world war.

  • The three sides of the inverted triangle (in the logo) stand for body, mind and spirit!

  • The YMCA is also the largest provider of safe, secure and affordable housing and also foyer places for young people.
  • A YMCA worker created the Poppy emblem used for Remembrance Day.
  • Henri Dunant the founder of the Red Cross was also one of the founders of the World Alliance of Young Men's Christian Associations (YMCA).

  • In 1864 the YMCA became the first non-sectarian organisation to place chapels in its facilities.

    Shaping up sports:

  • The YMCA is the largest single provider of sport, exercise and fitness activities in the country.

  • Volleyball was invented by an instructor at the Y in 1895.

  • Basketball was also invented by someone working in the Y in 1891 and the first professional team also came from a Y.

  • Racketball was invented in 1950 by a YMCA member.
 
 
   


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