The Bangor Dialectical Society was formed on the 12th November 1897. Original members included Reverends E.P. Jones, S.R. Jenkins; Dr. E.O. Price, and Messrs. W. Turner and J. Clinton. Mr. H.J. Fox was appointed Secretary. Reverend Thomas Shankland, former librarian at the University College of North Wales, Bangor, is listed as a member, from 1915 to 1925. It was initially decided to limit membership to 30, which was later reduced in 1906 to 22 active members. The society met regularly, particularly during the winter months, usually at different places, often cafes, in the Bangor area. A variety of topics were discussed on a wide range of philosophical, literary, social, political and economic subjects, although the rules of 1939 declared that religious and political subjects are not to be discussed, except in special circumstances. These rules also state that the society did not look for publicity in the press or forward resolutions to the public authorities, but in 1921 an exception was made to send the society's congratulations to the Prime Minister, David Lloyd George, on his successful settlement of the Irish question . Its annual dinner was held in May.
From the guide to the Papers of the Bangor Dialectical Society, 1897-1992, (Bangor University)
