Records of the Church of England Men's Society, York Diocesan Union

General correspondence files, 1963-1985; diocesan and national committee meeting agendas, minutes, attendance records, reports, correspondence and related papers, 1967-1986; correspondence and papers relating to the organisation and progress of National Conference, Scarborough, 1982-1983; 1982 report, ‘A New Initiative,’ with associated papers and correspondence, 1983-1984; summaries of Executive Working Parties’ meetings, 1983-1984; report to the Council of the Church of England Men's Society, 'A Time to be Born and a Time to Die...' 1985; miscellaneous pamphlets and booklets, 1982-1987.

The Church of England Men's Society was established in 1899 by the amalgamation of the Church of England Young Men's Society, the Young Men's Friendly Society and the Men's Help Society, with the intention of 'devoting itself to all kinds of work amongst men'.
Parochial branches were encouraged and each Diocesan Union was represented on a National Council which, together with the Executive Committee and Chairman, oversaw the administration of the Society. The Society held an annual conference and from 1902 members could also subscribe to a quarterly periodical, the Men’s Magazine. By 1909 the magazine had a circulation of 65,000 copies.
After a period of moderate success, the Society suffered a steady decline from the 1940s onwards as its place and role within the Church of England came under question. As a consequence of a 1985 report entitled ‘A time to be born and a time to die,’ the Society was wound up with effect from 31 December 1985.

Records are open to the public, subject to the overriding provisions of relevant legislation, including data protection laws.

The archive was gifted to the Borthwick Institute by the ex-secretary of the York Diocesan Union branch of the Society in 1987.

The Church of England Men's Society was established in 1899 by the amalgamation of the Church of England Young Men's Society, the Young Men's Friendly Society and the Men's Help Society, with the intention of 'devoting itself to all kinds of work amongst men'.
Parochial branches were encouraged and each Diocesan Union was represented on a National Council which, together with the Executive Committee and Chairman, oversaw the administration of the Society. The Society held an annual conference and from 1902 members could also subscribe to a quarterly periodical, the Men’s Magazine. By 1909 the magazine had a circulation of 65,000 copies.
After a period of moderate success, the Society suffered a steady decline from the 1940s onwards as its place and role within the Church of England came under question. As a consequence of a 1985 report entitled ‘A time to be born and a time to die,’ the Society was wound up with effect from 31 December 1985.

A typescript finding aid, to file level, is available for consultation in the searchroom of the Borthwick Institute.

Created by S. A. Shearn, 23.04.15.

A reprographics service is available to researchers. Copying will not be undertaken if there is any risk of damage to the document. Copies are supplied in accordance with the Borthwick Institute for Archives' terms and conditions for the supply of copies, and under provisions of any relevant copyright legislation. Permission to reproduce images of documents in the custody of the Borthwick Institute must be sought.

Further accruals are not expected.

Published

GB 193