Bagby Street YMCA

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In 1931, William C. Craver became the Executive Secretary of the Colored YMCA. He was highly effective in implementing changes in structure and operations of the developing YMCA as it joined as a branch of Houston YMCA. Craver was also instrumental in the Y’s growth in programs and services by expanding the work of the Colored Branch YMCA of Houston. The Colored Branch YMCA of Houston moved to the Pilgrim Building located at 1217 Bagby Street and West Dallas Avenue in 1935. This change in location brought on a new designation for the branch. Both programs and services increased to the extent that the need for a permanent building designed for YMCA activities became an impelling need. In September 1948, Executive Secretary William C. Craver hired Quentin R. Mease as a program director to initiate a special expansion program for young men. Shortly after arriving on his new assignment, Mease convinced his colleagues to change the name of the Colored Branch YMCA located in the Pilgrim building to the Bagby Street Branch YMCA and succeeded William C. Craver as the executive secretary in 1950.