The YMCA was formally established in Hong Kong in 1901, in rented premises at 27 Des Voeux Road, Central. Early activities included English lessons, Bible studies, gymnastics, public lectures and gospel meetings. It split into two departments the following year, which became the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong and the YMCA of Hong Kong (English-speaking department). The two became autonomous associations in 1908.
Rapid expansion led the YMCA of Hong Kong to move to new headquarters in the Alexandra Building in Central. It started providing accommodation in the 1920s, when part of the headquarters was subdivided into 22 small bedrooms.
Throughout its early years, the YMCA experienced its fair share of tribulations: the Chinese Revolution of 1911, the massive bubonic plague outbreak of 1914 and the first world war, which saw most of its membership called away to active duty overseas. By the end of the war, its membership was so depleted that it was threatened with closure. Salvation came in the shape of the new governor of Hong Kong, Sir Francis Henry May, a former president of the worldwide YMCA organisation. The organisation established a building fund under the patronage of Sir Henry and, in 1922, selected the present site on Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.
The building opened in 1926. By the end of the 1920s activities abounded, guest rooms were full, newsletters flourished and the popular debating societies were avidly reported by the English-language press.
With the outbreak of the second world war, the Salisbury Road building was seconded to house Japanese troops and the general secretary and foreign staff of the YMCA interned at Stanley. Immediately after the war, British forces used the building as a social club. It was finally returned to the YMCA in 1947.
Today, it offers pre-school education services, comprehensive social services, outreach activities and leisure education, a college of continuing education, fitness and welfare services, sports and recreation, camping and community programmes, and restuarants.