THE MEANING OF THE EMBLEM
The YMCA has a great history of outreach and ministry focus that is reflected in the components of the YMCA emblem. Though the YMCA went through an comprehensive re-branding in 2010, this emblem from 1896 represents our history and remains the official YMCA emblem. Here are all of the component parts:
THERE ARE THE GREEK LETTERS CHI & RHO (XP)
These 2 Greek letters are the first two letters of the word Christos – meaning Christ. In early Christianity, they not only represented the name of Christ, but they represented the Church as well.
THERE IS A DOUBLE CIRCLE
One circle symbolizes the completeness and unity of the total of life and God’s created order. The other circle symbolizes a wedding ring, friendship and love without end, among individuals. Within these circles or rings, the rest of the emblem is placed.
THERE ARE TWO TRIANGLES
One stands for the trinity within the Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The other, the trinity within man, that of the spirit, the mind and the body.
THERE IS THE BIBLE
It is opened to Jesus’ prayer for his disciples and followers in the book of John, chapter 17, verse 21. This scripture passage was set forth as the foundation for the YMCA.
Finally, the complete assembly of all these component parts gives the YMCA its remarkable emblem.
THE "C"
The "C" in the YMCA gives us clarity of purpose and a foundation for building healthy Spirit, Mind, and Body for all.
Sharing Christian values and the YMCA Mission in all YMCA programs is our emphasis.
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."- Proverbs 22:6
The YMCA has a great history of outreach and ministry focus that is reflected in the components of the YMCA emblem. Though the YMCA went through an comprehensive re-branding in 2010, this emblem from 1896 represents our history and remains the official YMCA emblem. Here are all of the component parts:
THERE ARE THE GREEK LETTERS CHI & RHO (XP)
These 2 Greek letters are the first two letters of the word Christos – meaning Christ. In early Christianity, they not only represented the name of Christ, but they represented the Church as well.
THERE IS A DOUBLE CIRCLE
One circle symbolizes the completeness and unity of the total of life and God’s created order. The other circle symbolizes a wedding ring, friendship and love without end, among individuals. Within these circles or rings, the rest of the emblem is placed.
THERE ARE TWO TRIANGLES
One stands for the trinity within the Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The other, the trinity within man, that of the spirit, the mind and the body.
THERE IS THE BIBLE
It is opened to Jesus’ prayer for his disciples and followers in the book of John, chapter 17, verse 21. This scripture passage was set forth as the foundation for the YMCA.
Finally, the complete assembly of all these component parts gives the YMCA its remarkable emblem.
THE "C"
The "C" in the YMCA gives us clarity of purpose and a foundation for building healthy Spirit, Mind, and Body for all.
Sharing Christian values and the YMCA Mission in all YMCA programs is our emphasis.
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."- Proverbs 22:6
