This Week in Christian History: Archbishop Murdered, First Manger Scene, YMCA
United States' YMCA Founded — December 29, 1851
The week marks the anniversary of when the Young Man's Christian Association was first introduced to the United States of America.
Initially founded in London in 1844 by George Williams, the YMCA's first American chapter was founded by Thomas Valentine Sullivan and began to hold meetings at the Old South Church in Boston, Massachusetts.
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"The organization's drive to meet social need in the community was compelling, and its openness to members crossed the rigid lines separating English social classes," explains the YMCA in the History section of its website.
"Years later, retired Boston sea captain Thomas Valentine Sullivan, working as a marine missionary, noticed a similar need to create a safe 'home away from home' for sailors and merchants."
In the present day, the YMCA has an estimated 2,700 chapters in the United States, with a global outreach to approximately 45 million people in 119 countries.
