In 1890 Woman's Missionary Union met in Fort Worth, Texas, where a chorus of young women sang "Something to Do." The selection was prophetic for in 1907, as a result of committee effort of several years, Woman's Missionary Union offered to young womanhood, Young Woman's Auxiliary as a channel of service for Christ. There were several scattered societies of young women, with variety of names, without unanimity of program and effort. As Fannie Heck stated in the 1907 meeting: "We must overcome our neglect by adopting and naming our many daughters." Also during this meeting, the women adopted a pin design and voted on the watchword of the organization, Daniel 12:3: "They that be wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever." The Y.W.A. song "O Zion Haste" was adopted in 1912.

In Young Woman's Auxiliary the young women of our denomination found opportunity for programs informing of Kingdom activities, for study inspiring to larger participation in Christ's Kingdom through personality and purse, and for investment of time, talent and energy in service in His name. Young women meeting together for worship, for programs of missionary content, for discussion of common problems, for expression of ideas in handwork, pageantry and activity, guided tactfully by a consecrated counselor, felt a freedom that has proved a blessing through the years. In 1915 a college department was begun, using the name Ann Hasseltine Y.W.A's. Later, in 1923, came the realization of need for especial attention to nurses in hospitals, and for them Grace McBride Y.W.A. was arranged.

In June 1923, 116 young women from sixteen southern states met at Ridgecrest, N.C., and inaugurated the annual southwide Y.W.A. Camp.

In 1929 Young Woman's Auxiliary was strong enough to launch its own magazine, The Window of Y.W.A. Our Mission Fields had begun to have small articles "For the Young Ladies" beginning in 1906. Later, programs expanded in Royal Service.

There was also an increasing number of Young Woman's Auxiliaries in the foreign fields. Being an international organization allowed the drawing into one fellowship in Christ young women of China, Japan, South America, Africa, Rumania in Europe, Cuba, Canal Zone, and United States.

In 1970, Young Woman's Auxiliary became Baptist Young Women. Contempo magazine was introduced for the new BYW organization.