The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) was founded in London in 1844 as a haven where young men could escape the dangers of urban life and engage in Bible study and prayer. The YMCA's influence quickly spread to the United States, with Associations being established in the country's major cities as early as 1851. As the YMCA evolved, its activities expanded to include recreational programs, educational instruction, and community service. By the 20th century, the YMCA had transformed from a primarily religious organization into a major social institution.
Brooklyn's YMCA was founded in 1853. Its first permanent edifice, comprised of three buildings on Fulton, Bond, and Hanover Streets, opened in 1885 and housed the newly formed Central Branch, commonly referred to as Brooklyn Central. At the time, the buildings were the most well-equipped YMCA facilities in the country. By 1898, the Brooklyn YMCA had established seven branches aside from the Central Branch, including the Eastern District, Bedford, Twenty-Sixth Ward, Prospect Park, Long Island Medical College, Greenpoint, and German Branches. The Brooklyn YMCA continued to expand throughout the 20th century, and in 1924 it was renamed the Brooklyn and Queens Young Men's Christian Association to reflect its activity in the borough of Queens. Later in 1957, the Brooklyn and Queens YMCA became part of the YMCA of Greater New York. As of 2011, the YMCA of Greater New York continues to serve the New York City community, with eight locations in the borough of Brooklyn.
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Sources:
- Bayless, Pamela.
The YMCA at 150: A History of the YMCA of Greater New York, 1852-2002. New York: YMCA of Greater New York, c2002.
- YMCA of Greater New York. "New York City's YMCA: We're Here for Good." Accessed January 5, 2011. http://ymcanyc.org/index.php
- YMCA of the USA. "1870s-1890s." Accessed January 5, 2011. http://www.ymca.net/history/1870-1890s.html
- YMCA of the USA. "The Story of Our Founding." Accessed January 5, 2011. http://www.ymca.net/history/founding.html
From the guide to the Brooklyn YMCA Central Branch publications, Bulk, 1928-1967, 1884-1967, (Brooklyn Historical Society)
