George Williams (YMCA) later merged into Concordia University, with its former campus retaining the name Sir George Williams Campus. George Williams (YMCA) Sir George Williams (11 October 18216 November 1905) was an English philanthropist and founder of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). The oldest and largest youth charity in the world, its aim is to support young people to belong, contribute and thrive in their communities. Williams was born on a farm in Dulverton, Somerset, England and baptized into the Church of England. As a young man, he described himself as a "careless, thoughtless, godless, swearing young fellow". After an accident, his
George Williams (priest) B.D. at Cambridge in 1849. In 1837 Williams was ordained, and on 22 September 1838 he was appointed by Eton College to the perpetual curacies of Great Bricet and Wattisham, which he held until Michaelmas 1840. He was appointed by Archbishop William Howley to accompany Bishop Michael Alexander as chaplain to Jerusalem, and was there from 1841 to May 1843. He then served as chaplain at St. Petersburg (1844–5). He was left with the project bringing together the Greek and Anglican churches. In 1846 Williams took up residence at Cambridge. He filled the post of dean of arts at King's