Boston Young Men's Christian Union, 1881, Overview

The society was instituted in 1851, and incorporated under its present name in 1852. After a successful existence of twelve years, its work was discontinued in consequence of the interruption caused by the Civil War. The work was resumed again in 1808 under its present auspices, and rooms were leased at No. 12 West Street. These proving too small for the purposes of the society, larger ones were taken at what, was then No. 300 Washington Street, where the whole building above the first floor was eventually occupied. These also proving inadequate, it became necessary again to move. A suitable lot of land having been found, a public appeal was made in the spring of 1874 for funds with which to purchase the land and erect the building now in use. The dedication took place on March 15, 1876.

The enlarged facilities have not only increased the power of the Union in various fields of benevolent work at home and abroad, but the greatly augmented membership has already tested the building to its utmost capacity. The chief aim of the officers of the society is to make the rooms, to as great an extent as possible, a home for young men ; to offer every possible attraction in the shape of books, papers, games, pleasant companions, classes, dramatic and musical entertainments, etc.

References

1. "Boston Young Men's Christian Union", Report of the Boston Young Men's Christian Union for the Year Ending April 13, 1881, page 5.