The beginning – 1857
CoE Young Men’s Association Meeting
The announcement in the Swansea Cambrian Newspaper, of the Inaugural meeting of the Church of England Young Men’s Association. In 1868 the group adopt the usual name of YMCA Swansea.
1868
Becomes YMCA
A news article in the Cambrian on the 13th November 1868 reporting that the Church of England Young Men’s Association had taken the decision to change the name to the usual format of YMCA.
1870
First building, library and reading rooms Herbert Place
In 1870 the YMCA opens its first building consisting of a library and reading rooms on the corner of Dillwyn St and Herbert Place (Herbert Place no longer exists). The report includes subscriptions taken for newspapers and magazines and that the annual cost for rent, books, a librarian etc will be approximately £125 per annum.
1872
First job advertised
The first job is advertised for a librarian. Salary £20 per annum.
1882
Move to Dynevor Place
Notice given for the Annual Easter breakfast at which the President of the Association will announce new premises have been identified. The premises identified but not mentioned in the article were in Dynevor Place.
1882
Gymnastic sessions begin
1895
Basketball played in Swansea for the first time following the invention of the game in 1861 by YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Early 1900's
1911
Lightening fundraising campaign
Teams of young people attempt to raise £12,000 in 12 days through pledges of money for the new building on the Kingsway. They succeed but the building with the fit out ends up costing £20,000.
1912
Foundation stone laid for new building
The foundation stone is laid and building commences. The silver trowels are for John Dillwyn President and the Architect Glendenning Moxham who also was responsible for such buildings as the old police station and the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery.
1913
Current building opens
The present building opens in October 1913
1914
Building taken over by Red Cross
In 1914 Swansea YMCA was sharing their new premises with the Red Cross as casualties mounted on the Western Front. By 1917 the Red Cross had taken over the entire building for use as a hospital.
1919
Building is handed back to YMCA
1924
Paris Olympics
Half of the men’s gymnastics squad are from YMCA Swansea. YMCA Swansea also win the British gymnastics Championship for the first time.
1930
Dylan Thomas on stage in Llewelyn Hall
There are many famous links to people and organisations. This example from the 1930s shows Dylan Thomas as a young man in rehearsals for the Swansea YMCA Players.
1941
Building survives the Blitz but with some damage.
The post-war period to today
1946
A compulsory purchase order for the demolition of the building as part of the Swansea rebuild is fought off.
2012
YMCA Swansea undergoes refurbishment.
2013
YMCA Swansea celebrates 100 years of the building.