The Moline Young Men's Christian Association
The Moline Young Men's Christian Association was organized February 10,
1885. At that time the old rink was secured as temporary quarters and an
efficient work carried on for several years. During the years of 1888 and
1889 a building fund was raised and a new structure erected which
continued to be the home of the Association until destroyed some years
later by fire.
On January 1, 1903, the Association moved into the present quarters, where
a steadily growing work has been maintained in the various departments,
and whose spacious. well lighted rooms have become the home of the young
men of Moline in a very special way. The Association is not alone his
home, but as well his school room, his play ground. and his place of
entertainment and Christian culture.
In the night school conducted by the Association are taught all the common
branches, such as arithmetic, algebra, penmanship, spelling and grammar,
also English for Swedes and Greeks, in bath elementary and advanced
courses. Other courses in mechanical and architectural drawing,
electricity, telegraphy, bookkeeping, commercial law, and vocal music have
been taught in the night school. In connection with the educational
department a debating society is conducted, in which young men are trained
in the art of public speaking.
A physical department with well equipped gymnasium and expert physical
director is a second phase of the work, affording a place for physical
development under wholesome Christian influences. This department is
participated in by both men and boys with great pleasure and profit. The
bath rooms which are used daily by large numbers of men are the finest in
the city. Fully 6,000 baths are furnished annually to members. No less
than 35,000 visits are made to the rooms each year.
The religious phase of the work is wide in scope, covering a vast field of
religious education. Bible classes are conducted, men's meetings with
helpful addresses are held on Sunday afternoons and on week days meetings
are held in the various shops of the city at the noon hour, where a large
number of men listen to addresses and music by the best talent obtainable.
There is also a corps of workers, comprising a male quartette and
speakers, who visit the various churches and missions in suburban towns to
conduct religious services.
During the years of its existence the Moline Young Men's Christian
Association has made a place for itself in the city of inestimable value.
Its aim has been to produce well rounded men in this and it has succeeded.
The product of the Association has gone forth to raise the standards of
moral living and to enrich the world.
Source: Historic Rock Island County, pub. Kramer & Company, Rock Island, Illinois, 1908