YMCA’s journey of 125 years began with a single step

Richard DWIGHT

ANNIVERSARY: The anniversary of the Central YMCA, (Young Men’s Christian Association) falls on June 24. This year however, there is an added measure of importance, as it registers its 125th year, since its formation on June 24, 1882.

Through the ups and downs, success and failure, a sustained continuous ‘125 year’ record of devoted service to its members, the community and the country at large - viewed by any standard and in any endeavour is indeed a fine achievement.

The YMCA does not say that is with a semblance of accomplished arrogance, nor with a spirit of pride or elation,

 but rather with a deep sense of humility, arising out of a feeling of unworthiness before an omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient loving father, who has safely brought the YMCA thus far, and will as promised guide it along in the days and years that lie ahead.

Since its a significant milestone in the annals of the Central YMCA, it does merit a brief narrative here. The thinking of a YMCA for Ceylon, as the country was then known entered the heart and mind of William Chapman, a Staff Assistance at Cargills.

Not satisfied in allowing it to remain a theoretical concept Chapman translated in into deeds by inaugurating the YMCA at a meeting held at Wesley College, Dam Street, Pettah.

Those involved to serve on this historic first ever association as pioneers and path finders, were M/s James. C. Jansz, (President) J.A. Honter (Vice President) William Chapman (Secretary) Justin A. Rode, (Asst. Secretary) J. Wijeyakoon, A. Van Geyzel and E.F. Blacker.

They were all original members and did as well, form the first Committee of Management. Chapman as the convenor of the Central Y.M.C.A. and as a member of the Glasgow united Y.M.C.A. had its constitution with a few alternations adopted for the local YMCA here. This coming together was on June 24, 1882.

In those formative years the Central YMCA did not have a permanent place of its own. For 10 years from 1884 it operated in a rented out hall, and in 1894 met in the De Soysa building at Slave Island.

The first real house of the YMCA was in the Racquet Court between the Pettah and Fort. With the Racquet Court being needed by the Government for the construction of granaries - the Government in appreciation of the good work done by the YMCA leased out the present site in the Fort.

It is on this piece of land that the impressive present YMCA building, which was opened on February 22, 1924 - stands as a silent witness to all those who laboured in the past for the well-being of the YMCA.

There are many who through the years served the YMCA as Presidents, it is invidious to mention names, but there a few musts, whose names comes swiftly to mind in Sir Henry De Mel, S.J.C. Kadirgamar, Sir Oliver Goonetilleke, Dr. J.H.F. Jayasuriya, Dr. Paul Pieris, Sir Charles Collins, S.J.C. Schokman, Mallroy Wijesinghe with yet others.

There was a long line of European general secretaries, the last two were Murray Brooks and G.P. Wishard, who was succeeded by the first Sri Lankan in R.O. Buell, who served for the longest period of 25 years, the others that followed were P.H. Mendis, L.G.G. Wijesinghe, Leslie Perera, Alagan Kadirgamar (serving for 11 years) Shantha Fernando, Chandra Fernando, Christopher Barthalomuesz and the current General Secretary, A.J.P. Wijesinghe.

The most significant aspect of the YMCA’s service to the nation, is the welcome it extends in its public areas to all persons regardless of distinctions relating to religion, race, caste, creed, sex, social or economic status. Above all its committed to the development of body, mind and spirit of not only the young but the old as well.

Mention must be made, that it was the YMCA that introduced the cafeteria system through its well patronised restaurant. It provided facilities for public speaking and debate through its forum, that was well supported by a library that was adequate.

Not forgetting as well that it paid much attention to religious activities and, the fostering of music, drama, the arts and culture.

It would be interesting to know, that it was the YMCA that started the city playground movement and popularised games such as volleyball, basketball, boxing, judo and camping.

It inaugurated all island meets in wrestling, gymnastics, table tennis, carrom and billiards.

A salutary characteristic of the YMCA is that it has a fine rapport with other religious organisation, such as the YMBA, YMMA and the YMHA spanning a period of 125 years.

The central YMCA has steadily progressed to be what it is today. The best years are ahead and not behind, will be the theme of a thanksgiving service to be held on Sunday, June 24, at 4.30 p.m. at the YMCA.