The Young Men's Christian Association

“While I draw this fleeting breath, when mine eyes shall close in death, when I soar to worlds unknown, see Thee on Thy judgment throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee” – Rock of Ages, Augustus Toplady, 1776

The Y.M.C.A stood at the corner of Blanshard and View Street.

The YMCA has one of the oldest histories in Victoria dating back to the 1850’s and the boom of the Gold Rush. The Association was created as an alternative source of entertainment and residence to the nearly 25,000 men that had arrived to Victoria to find their fortune. The Association offered residence, transportation, entertainment and physical activity to the men in the hopes that they would abstain from the bars and brothels that popped up in town. After the Gold Rush died down, the YMCA suffered from a lack of membership, and closed its doors in the early 1870’s. During the late 1800’s and into the 1900’s, the YMCA suffered meager membership and survived on even less funds, but managed to stay afloat. The Victorian public slowly realized the importance of the work of the YMCA, and they supported the continuation and a fund for a new, larger building. In 1910, despite shaky finances, the YMCA opened a new location on the North East corner of Blanshard and View Streets. The 120x120 property for the building was purchased for $15,300 cash, with money that was fundraised in the community. The plan for the building was carefully selected from as many as 30 plans, and from the work of six architects to best embody the desired modern features.

About the Ceremony
About the Cornerstone
View References for this Page