|
More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
|
YMCA
|
|
(Young Men's Christian Association) Worldwide organization formed originally in London in 1844 by George Williams (1821–1905) with several other young men in the drapery firm of Hitchock and Rogers, where he worked as an assistant. Beginning with prayer meetings – in an *evangelical tradition going back to John *Wesley in the previous century – the YMCA soon adopted the wider aim of improving 'the spiritual condition of young men engaged in the drapery and other trades' and within months had broadened this again to 'the improvement of the spiritual and mental condition of young men'. Educational and recreational programmes, combined with the provision of low-cost accommodation in cities, have remained at the heart of the fellowship's activities. The movement is strongest in the USA, where the first YMCA was opened in Boston in 1851.
|
|
|
|