This Christian and philanthropic institution was first founded in England
in 1844, and in America in 1851, since which date it has become one of
the most powerful factors in the country in spreading Christianity, especially
among young men. The association in Syracuse was founded on September
30, 1858; at that time there were only five associations in this State
and only sixty in the United States and the British provinces. During
the first few months of its existence meetings of the association were
held in the churches. In March, 1859, rooms were secured in the Pike
block, and later on upper floors at No. 16 South Salina street. The
association was incorporated in 1862. During several years most of
the work of the association was devoted to the establishment of mission
schools, but later it adopted its legitimate sphere of labor--"a work for
young men by young men." In 1866 it returned to more desirable apartments
in the Pike block, and in 1873 when its lease expired, it again moved to
its former rooms on Salina street. In 1875 its first general secretary
was chosen in the person of E. D. Ingersol, the work having been previously
carried on by a city missionary. In 1871 new life was inspired in
the association and a commodious hall taken and fitted up in the Convention
block on East Genesee street. In 1882 the Woman's Auxiliary was organized,
with Mrs. H. L. Duguid, president. Another offshoot of the association
is the Railroad Branch, established in 1879, and in 1880 a similar branch
was founded at East Syracuse.
The parent association long felt the need of a building of its own. On May 30, 1883, at a conference held at the residence of E. W. Leavenworth, the project of securing such a building assumed definite shape. Those present who discussed the advisability of attempting a building were State Secretary George Hall, H. B. Chamberlain, W. W. Brown, R. N. Gere, A. C. Chase, H. L. Duguid, Peter Burns and others. No definite steps were taken until November of that year, when a committee was appointed from the board of managers, consisting of W. S. Peck, James A. Skinner, George C. Sawyer, J. B. Brooks, and A. S. Durston to procure a site. The result was the purchase of the rectory of St. Paul's church on Warren street. After a careful canvass sufficient funds were pledged by citizens to erect the proposed building, ground for which was broken October 7, 1884. On the 15th of November of that year the corner stone was laid by President William A. Duncan, and on January 16, 1886, the fine structure was dedicated. Its cost was $62,000.
Submitted 18 July 1998