Woodstock Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA)
Woodstock Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) was formed in 1914 when a number of prominent local women set up a dormitory on the second floor at 419 Dundas Street. In 1917 they purchased the Dufferin Hotel on Peel Street and in 1953 a gymnasium was added on. In the early 1920s the wife of Norman Garfield, condemned murderer, stayed at their facilities. Controversy abounded with this decision and a special meeting of the YWCA board was held to determine whether the 17 year old expecting girl should be taken in as requested by the lawyer for the Defence. After amalgamation with the YMCA in 1982, the Peel Street building was used as a housing co-op, but was sold in 1985 when they could not afford to repair the building to city standards.
In 1964, the YWCA formed the Christian Emphasis School which provided interdenominational spiritual fellowship and growth for Christian women. During January and February of each year for six weeks, programs and guest speakers relating to personal experiences with a religious theme were conducted. Each “school year” was planned by a committee of ten, made up of representatives from ten different churches in the Woodstock area.
In 1964, the YWCA formed the Christian Emphasis School which provided interdenominational spiritual fellowship and growth for Christian women. During January and February of each year for six weeks, programs and guest speakers relating to personal experiences with a religious theme were conducted. Each “school year” was planned by a committee of ten, made up of representatives from ten different churches in the Woodstock area.