YMCA
Are you interested in the history of the YMCA and YWCA from the time period of WWI in Izmir, Turkey, formerly known as Smyrna? I have hand-painted fliers, announcements, and other documents produced for students at the International College.
Did you know that Dr. John Mott, a key figure in the YMCA’s international growth, established the Smyrna chapter in 1913? Right here at the International College. His vision was to unite nationalities found in this city, including Greeks, Armenians, Turks, the Jews, and Europeans. Dr. Mott described this chapter as a helping hand regardless of creed or nationality. It appears that these promotional materials were very carefully designed to inspire moral character. This is just a sample from my collection of photographs, letters, hand printed material, and recordings that I would like to share with you. Dr Mott, agreed that the YMCA here was meeting one of the great world opportunities, and said in parting the International College of Smyrna, “ Light is the most penetrating force we know; therefore shine on.”
If you’re interested in the history of the YMCA in Turkey and what inspired Dr. Motts encouragement, I invite you to come to Izmir and help bring these beautiful works to light.
The Constitution of the Young Men’s Christian Association of the International College, Paradise, Smyrna.
The Y.M.C.A was first organized in the college in 1903.
In the fall of 1913, when the College was moved to Paradise and the Rev. S. Ralph Harlow became Chaplain, the Association was re-organized, since which time the majority of officers have been students, and regular cabinet meetings have been held. The constitution adopted the association having been marked, the 1912 Constitution became more and more absolute and for a year or more, it was a little followed.
The beginning of the present Constitution made by the cabinet under the direction of Mr. Harlow in the spring of 1916. The final form was adopted by the cabinet in the fall of 1916, and adopted by the vote of the members which had signed the active members declarations on December 22, 1916. The association however has had a continuous existence.
ARTICLE I
NAME: The name of the organization shall be, THE YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE: The purpose of the association is to unite in one brotherhood in affiliation with the organized Christian students of the world, the students and teachers of the College who desire to maintain a steadfast loyalty to the principles and person of Jesus, the only Savior; and to awaken others allegiance to him, to build up its members in Christian character and to train them for the effective service of the kingdom of God in the College in their churches and in the world.
The entire article is in my care and available.
