The Liberia YMCA was founded in 1881 by Bishop Samuel D. Ferguson, while on assignment in Harper, Maryland County. Bishop Ferguson, an Episcopalian Bishop was from the USA. The organization which first started as a church-based organization later began to spread its branches to other parts of Liberia especially the coastal counties, Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, Sinoe and Grand Bassa Counties.

After Mr. Howell’s leadership, the YMCA experienced tremendous growth with other organizations asking for a partnership with the Liberia YMCA.

Seeing the need to steer its own affairs, the YMCA took on Mr. Joseph A. Kelley as the first Liberian YMCA Secretary-General. After a long period of service to the Liberian people, the YMCA celebrated its centennial anniversary on August 9, 1991, at the Providence Baptist Church in Monrovia.

Mr. Charles D. Sherman of Liberia became the first black president of the World Alliance of the YMCAs.