Dates

• Existence: 1865 - 1955

Biographical Note

Described as “one of the most nobly useful men in the world” by President Woodrow Wilson, John R. Mott began his association with the YMCA as a leader of the Student YMCA at Cornell University. Beginning in 1888, he served a 27-year tenure as national secretary of the Student YMCAs.

From 1915 to 1928, he served as general secretary of the International Committee (today’s YMCA of the USA), and also served on the executive committee of the World’s Committee of YMCAs. Mott led the YMCA’s expansive involvement in World War I. Under his leadership, the national movement raised $250 million for YMCA programs supporting troops in the U.S. and overseas. Beginning in the late 1920s, he turned his attention to international projects focused on unifying world-wide Christian evangelical concerns.

Mott authored 16 books, visited over 83 nations, and received honorary awards from 14 countries, including the Distinguished Service Medal from the United States. He received six honorary degrees from universities around the world and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his life-long humanitarian efforts.