Londonderry YMCA.

 

The YMCA in Londonderry was founded in 1857. Prior to moving to its present location at Drumahoe it was situate at 10 East Wall where the Millenium Forum has now been constructed. I recently came upon a letter written by the Honorary Treasurer in 1967. At that time the President was John McFarland, (now 3rd Bt.). The Chairman was Herbie Burns; the Hon Treasurer was Jimmy Mann and the Hon Secretary was Sam Jack.

I also came upon a mortgage deed dated 18th April 1866 and made between Samuel Entrican, Woolendraper and John Gamble, Grocer of the one part and William Finlay Bigger of the other part. The said Samuel Entrican and John Gamble as trustees of and on behalf of the Londonderry Young Mens' Christian Association had acquired the East Wall site on 12th April 1866. They had been appointed trustees at a Special General Meeting held on 26th January 1866. At the same meeting they were authorised to raise a loan not exceeding £500 towards the purchase price of £800. It transpired that only four hundred pounds had to be borrowed. These funds were borrowed from William Finlay Bigger of Riverview at a fixed rate of five pounds percentum per annum.