Richard C. Morse portrait

This photograph portrays Richard C. Morse. Mr. Morse served as the YMCA's National General Secretary in the United States in 1872, a position he held until 1915.Richard Morse was a nephew to Samuel Morse, inventor of the telegraph. He was ordained a Presbyterian minister, but never entered the active ministry. Instead, he chose to become the religious editor of The New York Observer, a weekly newspaper founded by his father. It was through a report of a YMCA convention he wrote for that paper, that Morse sought out work in the YMCA. He first joined the YMCA in 1869 as editor and publisher of the new Association Monthly magazine. This began a 47 year career, which culminated in his appointment as general secretary of the YMCA’s International Committee in 1872 - a position he held until 1915. Morse was one of the original members of the World’s Committee from 1878 to 1888, and was active in the New York City association. Morse’s YMCA work took him across the Atlantic Ocean 50 times, including relief work in France during World War I. Among the several books written by Dr. Morse are, "My Life with Young Men" "A History of the North American Young Men’s Christian Associations" and "Robert R. McBurney, A Memorial." Mr. Morse was also a trustee of Springfield College from 1889-1891A stamped caption on the back reads "Largest and finest studio in New England Goldsmisth 374 St. Springfield, Mass