Credere Aude

How wonderful to see copies of the magazine again. In the 1950s the Christian Union met twice a week in the Doc's room (Doc ?): his room was near the memorial space  on the main corridor at the back of the Quad. The promotion of Christianity was not really endorsed by the Chief in those days and the weekly  prayer meetings and Bible study were quietly organised. Tony Clayton and Philip Johnston were  influential leaders in my years at school.

Some names leap off the pages of Credere Aude:

A speaker, Major Ian Thomas , was an effective evangelist  who ran a youth organisation called the Torchbearers based at Capernwray on the edge of the lakes. Following his well attended talk some of us spent a week there at Easter 1954 which mixed a relaxing  holiday and good Bible study. It led to one or two vocations in the Ministry.

John Ditchfield became an Anglican priest , I believe, and I recall meeting him at Worcester cricket ground many years later. Dudley Ractliffe-a HistoryVI classmate of mine- also became a Minister. I was for many years a reader in the Anglican church in Worcestershire. I also became  a member of the Archbishop's Commission which recommended the creation of The Archbishop's Council which was set up in the 1990s to integrate and make better use  of the Church's resources.

Selling the Credere Aude magazine needed great , if somewhat discreet, efforts in lunchtimes by entering form rooms and pitching for sales ; the picture of the near naked baby in the milk advert reminded me that one or two sellers ,to boost sales, claimed a "near nude in every copy". This increased sales immediately but led to some dissatisfied buyers. I couldn't possibly name the dodgy salesmen!

Congratulations to everybody involved in the project! 

John Jordan (1956)

Having now read all the posted magazines ,  I am reminded that John Packer ,who wrote in the 1963 magazine , later became Bishop of  Ripon and Leeds. He had been previously Bishop of Warrington. Earlier ,Michael Henshall (MGS 1940s) had also been Bishop of Warrington . Michael played in a Timperley Hockey team which I captained in the early 60s and brought a robust Christianity onto the pitch.

I wonder how many more pupils in the last century  became full time priests or ministers?

Taking a wider view it is interesting that the 1950s magazines reflect some evangelical perspectives -Billy Graham crusades took place  in London in the mid Fifties-whereas the 1960s magazines reflect a more questioning and challenging approach .A need to justify Christianity? The Honest to God (John Robinson et al) debate broke out in the 1960s suggesting that the Gospels might be read as myth of symbolism .Those debates continue.

I hope other magazines come to light. Further did, or does , modern  Humanism feature in pupil's thinking these days?

I am sorry not to be able to join the supper at the weekend ;I hope all goes well!