This week in Christian history: Massachusetts bans Christmas, YMCA founder born

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, May 07, 2023

Henry Dunant born – May 8, 1828

Henry Dunant (1828-1910), the co-founder of the Young Man's Christian Association. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when Henry Dunant, the co-founder of the Young Man’s Christian Association, was born in Geneva, Switzerland.

Born into a Calvinist family known for its charitable work, Dunant is credited with helping to spread the Geneva YMCA movement internationally.

“He became a fervent spokesperson for the YMCA, promoting it all over the world, and visiting emerging YMCAs across Europe and North Africa. He was also in regular correspondence with YMCAs around the world, updating them on YMCA work in each country,” noted the modern YMCA.

“His enthusiasm and passion to have a truly international movement led to the first ever International YMCA Conference held in Paris in 1855.”

Dunant also went on to help found the International Committee of the Red Cross and was one of the first two people to win a Nobel Peace Prize, receiving the honor in 1901.