Discussions

January 11th. 1906.  
 
The Brandon Y.M.C.A. first opened in the City in 1886, but had no home of its own. They were forced to move many times from their many meeting places, but agreed to hold Sunday services in city Hall chambers until a permanent home could be found. Its organizations President, Mr. S. A. Bedford, told a large gathering as warm weather arrived that the resources of the Association had dwindled though its usefulness increased. They were responsible in aiding the immigrant, uniting families, discouraging the break-up of homes, participating in hospital, jail and asylum work. Vice President A. E. McKenzie said the cause, “backed into a corner, must either shut the doors, or build a block.” Concerned businessmen and interested citizens decided that the Young Men’s Christian Association should remain. The estimated forty two thousand dollar expenditure for the site, and structure when completely furnished was a challenge, so a canvass for funds was started. By June first 1904, subscriptions and pledges totalled thirteen thousand dollars. By mid September a location for a site was selected on Eighth Street, a portion of the site was a gift from horseman Alexander Galbraith, the fund stood at forty thousand dollars, when the ladies Auxiliary undertook to raise another four thousand dollars.  
Architect Mr. W. A. Elliot designed the first building, and construction started in 1905 with a corner stone laying ceremony and it was finished on January 11th. 1906. Without Fanfare and with no formalities, Brandon’s three stories Y.M.C.A. building was an exemplification, (example) of dedicated labours, “accompanied by frequent discouragement and indifference” was opened to the public. Brandon and area citizens by the hundred visited the game and reading rooms that for many took a back seat to the gymnasium and swimming pool facilities. Physical director, Mr. L. A. Sovereign, who had recently arrived from Geneva, New York, supervised operations. This gentleman began arranging physique improvement classes for business executives, college students and schoolboys on a six-day weekly basis, but there were certain irate Aldermen who decided that the new tribute free centre, (the city offered no money or support to the construction of this facility) was cutting into the Opera House revenues. In 1918 the Y.M.C.A. advocated the Father and Son movement, and opened with a “Lad and Dad” association. Together they attended church, stayed at home, gathered for ‘Y’ athletic exercises, participated in a mass rally of their kind, and took hikes. The present day mission of the Brandon Family Y.M.C.A. is a Charitable Association dedicated to providing quality programs and services for all individuals in the development of “Spirit, Mind, and Body.”  
 
For ‘Y’ history: http://www.ymca.ca/html/opener.htm  
 
Source: Brandon a City, by G. F. Barker.