The “Y” today is mostly a recreation center, but originally it really was a Young Men’s Christian Association. Its founder, George Williams, was concerned about the moral and spiritual welfare of young men moving from small towns into London.
In 1844 he started Bible classes and Christian lectures for young men in his own home. The movement spread to other countries, and in many locales dormitories provided homes away from home, with an emphasis on Christian fellowship and Bible study.