VICTORIA'S FIRST Y.M.C.A.
The _Colonist_ has been handed the following self-explanatory
matter, bearing upon the founding in this city of a branch of the
Y.M.C.A., which is of especial interest:
"Dingley Dell, September 29th, 1911.
"_R. B. McMicking, Esq., President Y.M.C.A._
"Dear Sir,--In searching through the files of the _Colonist_ of
1859 for items of forgotten lore that might be of interest to our
early pioneers, I came across the enclosed interesting account of the
forming of a branch of the Young Men's Christian Association in
Victoria fifty-two years ago (September 5th, 1859), and am sorry I
did not remember it sooner, so that it could have been read at the
opening exercises, but 'better late than never.' I shall accompany it
with some comment.
"In the first place, it is likely that all those present on that
auspicious occasion are gone to their everlasting rest, with the
notable exception of our dear friend, the Venerable Bishop Cridge,
who is within a few weeks of entering on his ninety-fifth year. His
has been indeed a life of doing good, for he, in early days, was at
the head of all good work for the betterment of mankind. The chairman
on that occasion was Colonel Moody, R.E., who had lately arrived in
the colony with the sappers and miners.
"The three Protestant denominations then established in Victoria were
represented by the Rev. Edward Cridge, as already stated; Rev. Dr.
Evans, of the Wesleyan Methodists, and the Rev. W. F. Clarke, of the
Congregational Church. Of the laymen mentioned, there was Judge
Pemberton, father of Mr. Chartres Pemberton; J. T. Pidwell, father of
the late Mrs. D. W. Higgins; Judge Cameron, C.J.; Captain Prevost,
father of Charles J. Prevost, of Duncans, who was a very prominent
naval officer, and later an admiral, who was an indefatigable
Christian worker. Mr. Sparrow, of the post-office, whose son is a
respected resident to-day, and also William H. Burr, master of the
Colonial School, of which I was then a pupil. Mr. John F. Damon, on
second thoughts, may be in the land of the living, and a resident of
Washington. The society must have fallen into disuse in later years,
for I understand the present institution is about twenty-six years
old. I do not know that I can say anything more on this interesting
subject but to wish it every prosperity.
"And believe me ever, yours truly,
"Edgar Fawcett."
From Victoria _Colonist_ of September 5th, 1859:
"Pursuant to public notice the Supreme Court room was filled on
Saturday evening by a large and respectable audience for the purpose
of organizing a Young Men's Christian Association.
"Colonel Moody, R.E., on taking the chair, requested the Rev. E.
Evans, D.D., Superintendent of the Wesleyan Mission, to open the
meeting by prayer; after which the chairman explained the object of
the Association, and urged with great cogency the importance of
scientific and historical knowledge to young men, and the immense
advantages which they would derive from Divine assistance in pursuing
those various branches of study which were essential to the good
citizen and Christian.
"The Rev. E. Cridge, pastor of the Victoria Established Church, then
moved the following resolution:
"'That this meeting, recognizing the usefulness and importance of
Young Men's Christian Associations, is gratified to find that steps
have been taken to establish one in this town.'
"He supported it at some length with many pertinent illustrations,
and expressed himself warmly in favor of the institution.
"T. J. Pidwell, Esq., seconded the motion. He adverted to the good
results from similar institutions elsewhere; passed some strictures
upon the alarming increase of saloons, and concluded that the
organization of a Christian Association with its Library, and the
opportunity which it would afford for the discussion of general
theological and political questions would have a powerful tendency to
guard the young men of this colony from falling into habits
destructive of good morals.
"The Rev. Dr. Evans, with an eloquent and forcible speech then moved:
"'That this meeting pledge itself to encourage and support by every
means in its power this the first Young Men's Christian Association
established in Vancouver's Island.'
"His remarks exhibited the greatest degree of tolerance. All narrow
views in the organization and working of the Association were
undesirable. To cherish the great essentials of religion as laid down
by the founder of Christianity was the principal object of the
institution. The moral and spiritual advantages to the young men of
the colony arising from the Association he was satisfied would be
very great. It deserved every encouragement, and he heartily
concurred in promoting the object of its founders, and hoped it
would not only secure moral but financial support.
"The Rev. W. F. Clarke, Congregational Missionary, with great
pleasure seconded the motion, and supported it with a speech of
considerable length, replete with argument and illustration,
portraying the advantages of the Association in a community like
this, where there was so little public opinion to influence and
direct young men; whilst there were so many things incident to the
love of money in a gold country to induce youth to contract habits
adverse to the progress of morals and religion.
"A. F. Pemberton, Esq., then moved: 'That the following gentlemen be
requested to act as office-bearers for the ensuing year. Patron,
His Excellency, the Governor; President, Col. Moody, R.E.;
Vice-Presidents, Judge Cameron and Captain Prevost, R.N.; Committee,
Messrs. A. F. Pemberton, Pidwell, Sparrow, Burr, Holt, Damon, Evans
and Cunningham, with power to add to their numbers; Secretary, Mr.
Cooper.'
"He concurred in the object of the Association; and briefly adverted
to the fact that the Rev. Mr. Cridge and himself had, a year ago,
contemplated a similar institution.
"John Wright, Esq., seconded the motion.
"Col. Moody having retired from the chair, it was filled by J. T.
Pidwell, Esq., when the Rev. Dr. Evans moved 'That the thanks of the
meeting be presented to Col. Moody for the very able manner in which
he had occupied the Chair.'
"Seconded by the Rev. Mr. Clarke, and passed with applause.
"Col. Moody then briefly replied that he came here from England with
the sole object of promoting the best interests of the country, and
in aiding in the promotion of the objects of this Association he was
but performing his duty.
"All the speakers were repeatedly applauded; and all the resolutions
passed by acclamation.
"The Doxology having been sung, the Rev. E. Cridge pronounced a
benediction, when the meeting dispersed, highly gratified with the
organization of the First Young Men's Christian Association of
Victoria, Vancouver Island."
[Illustration: Sir Richard McBride.]