YMCA of the USA

A child of evangelical Protestantism, the YMCA at first considered itself a specialized agency for bringing young men to Christ. Although the early Y's mission was unabashedly religious in nature, the organization focused on method rather than doctrine or philosophy. Dominated by business men rather than professional religious leaders, the movement tended to emphasize facilities, expansion, practical usefulness, and specific influence. Early work included not only the distribution of tracts, Bibles and other Christian literature, but the creation of lists of respectable houses and places to obtain employment, community relief projects, and care for members who were ill. As early as 1857, the YMCA added physical work to its programs, basing its effort on the belief that "bodily health is intimately connected with mental and spiritual activity and development." The YMCA went on to pioneer such programs as vocational education, recreational camping, and support services to men and women in the armed services, invent the sports of basketball and volleyball, and become a key provider of recreation and social welfare services in cities across the country. Still, religious motivations remained at the heart of YMCA programs. The International Committee (the governing administrative body of the YMCA in North America) formed the Religious Work Department in 1902 with Frederic S. Goodman as its secretary. Until 1931, representation at conventions was limited to YMCAs that accepted the Portland Basis. This test, established in 1869, affirmed tenets held by most conservative Protestant churches of the day, such as the inerrancy of scripture, the divinity of Christ, and the centrality of the atonement using widely recognized scripture texts and statements of faith. Even so, the Y did become increasingly ecumenical and pluralistic as the years went by.

From the description of YMCA religious work records, 1814-1984 (bulk 1870s-1970s). (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis). WorldCat record id: 502031064

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