A young manufacturing apprentice named David Nasmith founds the first city mission in Glasgow, Scotland in 1826. Its aim: to bring the Good News of the Gospel — along with medicine, food and clothing — to the poor and hopeless living in cities. It’s the start of a global movement. In the United States, it is spearheaded by Jerry McAuley at New York’s Water Street Mission, which is established in 1872. Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities is a direct descendant of this movement.

Photos courtesy of public domain.