Arthur Brown and Grand Rapids YMCA

This lantern slide shows two images: the Grand Rapids YMCA and a portrait of Arthur W. Brown, who graduated in 1894 from the International YMCA Training School, now known as Springfield College.While at school, Brown was active on the football team. After graduation, he worked as physical director at the YMCA in Meridian, Connecticut (1895-1896), Grand Rapids, Michigan (1897-1906), and Birmingham, Alabama (1907-1909). In 1866, Moreau S. Crosby organized the Grand Rapids YMCA. Reflecting the national organization, this branch was mainly concerned with Protestant evangelism as a means of protecting and benefiting young, single, idle men in the city. Operating out of a series of different rented spaces, the group conducted prayer meetings, public sermons, Bible studies, and social events. Eventually the mission broadened to include educational programs, war relief, programs for the working man, and camping trips for boys. The organization realized a long held dream of building and owning its own structure when what is today known as the Federal Square building was dedicated on March 28, 1893. The association eventually outgrew this building and a new one was dedicated April 11, 1915