In 1854, the YMCA in Saint John started as a literary society for young men to give them a place to read, pray and congregate in a supporting and friendly atmosphere.  Initial meetings were held in the Mechanics Institute and later moved to Judge Ritchie's building.    Our Y was dormant for several years until William Welsh and a group of friends learned about the popularity and success of the Halifax Y and took it upon themselves to reorganize and rebuild interest in our community.  In 1867, the year of Confederation, meetings were held once again at St. David's church to launch the rebirth of the Saint John YMCA.  Plans were developed to build a new facility that would be full service and include a gymnasium, a bath, a library, parlor and a large community meeting room. The Saint John YMCA building, built in 1872, was located on Charlotte Street. The cost was $35,000 and there were a grand total of 626 members.  The new building was used the first time on April 29, 1873 – was formally dedicated on 27th of May 1873.  In 1881, the large hall that had been used for evangelical purposes and mass meetings was converted into a gymnasium and was named the "hall of health"

At the YMCA Convention on Friday, October 15, 1869 President of the Saint John YMCA, William Welsh stated "It is an organization in which young men are banded together to obtain by efforts of self-improvement, mentally and morally, personal fitness for Christian work and to stimulate each other to hearty earnestness in the performance of such work".

A financial campaign was began in 1947 to build a new Y (our current Y) which was opened in 1954.

In 1870, the first YWCA in Canada was established in Saint John by Agnes Blizard to give young women a safe place to socialize, read from the scriptures and establish a women’s movement. 

On January 22, 1986, after leading autonomous existence for more than 100 years, the members of the Saint John YWCA and the members of the Saint John Family YMCA, at separate meetings, voted overwhelmingly to amalgamate into one Association.  On June 18, 1986 an Act to Incorporate the Saint John YM-YWCA Inc. was given royal assent.  Following that, the programs were merged and staff were united into one team.

This Y has served our community for over 152 years.  Older than our country, the Y in Canada has played a role in World Wars, the Great Depression, Korean War, National Swim Program, has been instrumental in the invention of the sports of basketball and volleyball and the promotion of peace worldwide.

Mission
We are a charitable organization with dedicated leadership committed to improving health and wellness, for our community at home and abroad, by providing programs, services and support that develop spirit, mind and body.

Values

Respect
Enrichment
Accessibility
Caring
Honesty