YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, an or ganization for social and religious work among young men, founded in England in 1844 by George Williams (1821-1905). It grew out of meetings for prayer and Bible-reading which Williams held among his fellow-workers in a dry-goods business in the City of London. Similar associations had been founded earlier in Scotland. The distinctive feature of the movement was the combined interest in social and in religious welfare. It spread rapidly; branches were soon formed in France and Holland, and overseas in the United States, Canada, India and Australia. The first world-conference was held in Paris in 1855. The pri mary purpose was to win men to Christ and enlist them in His service, as understood by evangelical Christians in the mid-19th century. But the story of the association--especially under the stimulus of conditions created by the World War—has been one of steady evolution with centres in every part of the civilized world.
Under the leadership of Dr. John R. Mott, the Y.M.C.A., as an international agency of religious influence, social service, indus trial goodwill, physical recreation and inter-racial conciliation, has been extended until it is now active in 56 countries, autonomously organised under the World Committee at Geneva. There are 9,754 associations, employing 7,396 executive officers, with a membership of 1,601,967, of whom 474,922 are boys. The value of the property and funds is $242,636,070. In the United States, the Association is accepted frequently as a quasi-municipal insti tution, supported by citizens of all opinions and a similar endorse ment of the Association has been forthcoming from many states men and governments.