Explore the History of Secularism, Humanism and Freethought!
After 18 months the Alternatives to Religion cataloguing project reaches its conclusion this week. The project has unearthed the histories of three influential non-theistic organisations, making their archives freely accessible for the first time.
Late Victorian advertisements for events held by South Place Ethical Society
Late Victorian advertisements for events held by South Place Ethical Society, South Place Chapel, (1894-1903). Including rambles, bazaars and book sales.
Famous Connections
In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries Conway Hall Ethical Society was connected to both the great and the good of the age. Many came to address the Society at their Sunday and mid week lectures including Bertrand Russell, William Morris, Sidney Webb and the suffragettes Marion Phillips and Marion Holmes.
Conway Hall at 75
In 2004 Conway Hall celebrated it’s 75th anniversary. South Place Ethical Society (now Conway Hall Ethical Society) for who the Hall was purpose built in 1929, celebrated with an evening of talks, tours, music and exhibitions.
Late Victorian advertisements
Late Victorian advertisements for children’s parties organised by the Soiree Committee of South Place Ethical Society, (1896-1900). The parties involved performance, dance and games.
Peter Cadogan’s Life Mask
Peter Cadogan was Chairman of Conway Hall Ethical Society from 1970 to 1981. He was a firm believer in freedom on speech, taking the controversial decision to allow the British National Front to hold meetings at Conway Hall, despite his own anti-fascist convictions.
Conway Hall Ethical Society Lectures
Conway Hall Ethical Society has a long history of running public lectures, discussions and a library service. This advert from their former home at South Place, (c.1910) highlights a continuity at the heart of the Society.
Children’s Ethical Sunday Services
Children’s Ethical Sunday Services at South Place.
Illustrations of South Place Chapel, Moorgate, 1924 and Conway Hall, Holborn, 1931
Illustrations of South Place Chapel, Moorgate, 1924 and Conway Hall, Holborn, 1931.