OLD YMCA BUILDING

(PLANS FOR DEMOLITION ARE NOW ON HOLD: FEDERAL LAWSUIT DISMISSED BY CHURCH 8-25-04)

The oldest YMCA building still standing in the state of Alabama is in danger of being torn down by the First Baptist Church of Selma, Alabama. Help to save this building from becoming a parking lot.

YMCA BLDG. TIMELINE

In 1844, the YMCA movement began in London, England.

In 1858 C. W. Buck and others met at the Methodist Church in Selma to discuss forming a Young Men's Christian Association in Selma. This was the first YMCA in the state of Alabama.

In 1875, the YMCA library was founded in Selma.

In 1876 the YMCA library had 600 Volumes.

In 1887 (or before) the building in danger was constructed for the YMCA.

According to the Historic Survey of Selma the YMCA building is one of the most important buildings in Selma and is pivotal to the streetscape of downtown Selma. Below are architectural renditions of its original facade and of how it appeared a few years ago.

Many of the architectural features that existed in 1887 can still be seen today.

This is the most poignant postcard, Broad Street. How interesting that we see the Hotel Albert (demolished in the 60's), and the Wilby Theater (burned in the 70s) and then the YMCA (now under threat of demolition). Just imagine what the street could have been today with all three buildings still standing. We may yet be able to save the old YMCA building if enough people become aware of the problem and take action to help save the old Y.