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The Spike or Victoria College Review October 1929

Student Christian Movement

page 62

Student Christian Movement.

Winter evenings are to us, in our temperate climate and often inclement weather conditions, the ideal times for grouping together indoors and trying, with each other's help to explain some of the facts of life as they have come before us. Study-circles are therefore at a premium in the winter term, and the half-dozen or so that have met this winter have been both well-attended and enthusiastic. The study-circle is one of the most valuable assets that student, or social life in general, can give, and has the advantage over the informal gathering of friends that, while friendship and informality prevail, there is in addition:—

(a)Preparation (on a previously-arranged topic).
(b)A leader (who keeps the discussion orderly and relevant but does not dominate).

These are two of the main features of the small discussion club about which Benjamin Franklin tells us in his autobiography. As well as these circles we have had intercession meetings on Thursday evenings.

The problems of evolution and the inspiration of the Bible have occupied a large part in our discussions, and thought on these problems has been stimulated by an address by Rev. J. R. Blanchard at a general meeting, and a talk at one of the Sunday teas by Dr. Pettit. Other Sunday teas have been held and were followed by community sings, instrumental items, readings, and recitations. A good number have rolled up to all of these.

Mysticism with its manifold tempting peregrinations was discussed at a well-attended meeting of Foyer on a mid-week night. Lawrence Bibby opened up the subject and interesting discussions on poetic inspiration, religious fanaticism, and kindred topics followed. A commendable feature of the discussion was the absence of that heated argument which so often characterises discussions on this type of subject.

Two large social functions have been held since last June—a dance in conjunction with the Social Service Club in the winter term, and a soiree in the winter vacation. Both were a success socially and the latter financially.

The annual general meeting was held this month. The election of officers resulted:—President, Mr. L. Bibby; Vice-President, Miss M. Patterson; Corresponding Secretary, Mr. W. Mason; Recording Secretary, Miss R. Sewell; Treasurer, Mr. E. Davies; Committee, Misses M. Luxmoore, F. Huntingdon, and Mr. L. Rothwell. Two further men (Messrs. F. Thompson and R. Wright) were elected to form with the men of the Executive a Men's Committee, to look after the interests of the male members of our branch of the S.C.M.

We would like to express our thanks to Professor Florance for the use of Room C5. A club-room is one of the very greatest assets that a club can have.

Our year may be said to commence the day after our annual meeting. We intend to make the year upon which we have just entered the most successful and most active, and, therefore, the happiest of the thirty-one years of our existence.