About Us
The History of Maidstone YMCA
The origins of Maidstone YMCA can be traced back to a public meeting at the Town Hall on January 15th 1855, where the Maidstone Church of England Young Men's Society was formed. In June 1879 the Society bought the plot of land in Union Street which was to become the Church Institute Building. At the same time the Society changed it's name to Maidstone Church Institute.
In 1935 the Church Institute invited the YMCA to become involved with the running of Institute Building. Again this involved a name change to Maidstone Church Institute and YMCA. In 1965 the Building in Union Street was Sold to Littlewoods stores and the proceeds were used to build the Sports Centre at Melrose Close in Loose.
In 1972 the Church Institute was wound up and Maidstone Church Institute and YMCA became solely Maidstone YMCA. In 2002 faced with an old building and lack of funds, The YMCA closed it's doors as a Public Sports Centre. However this was not the end. We are now about to open the doors to a new Leisure Centre on the original site in Loose.
Mission - YMCA Aims and Purposes
The YMCA is a Christian Movement. At its centre are Christians who, regarding Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, desire to share their faith with others and make Him known, believed, trusted, loved, served and exemplified in all human relationships.
The YMCA stands for:
A worldwide fellowship based on the equal value of all persons, respect and freedom for all, tolerance and understanding between people of different opinions and active concern for the needs of the community united effort by Christians of different traditions.
The YMCA aims to:
Provide a welcome to members for themselves, in a meeting place which is theirs to share, where friendships can be made and counsel sought. Develop activities which stimulate and challenge its members in an environment that enables them to take responsibility and find a sense of achievement. Involve all members in care and work for others.
Create opportunities for exchanging views, so that it's members can improve their understanding of the world, of themselves and of one another.
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