An Essay and Discussion Society was set up by Friends in Bradford in September 1874, with Henry Rowntree appointed as first president and Arthur Priestman as secretary. It superseded the Bradford Friends Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society. The society initially had 12 members, but this increased to around 50 during its first few years. Meetings were opened and closed by readings from scripture. Essays were presented and debates held on varied historical, scientific, literary and political topics. Social events, including musical recitals and drama, were later introduced into the programme in an attempt to attract members. Robert Long, secretary of the newly formed Northern Friends Peace Board, opened a debate on 'a quaker foreign policy and the war' in October 1914. During the war, the society saw declining attendance and was run almost entirely by women Friends. In April 1918, members resolved to continue the society, but only on an ad hoc basis, rather than with a formal monthly programme. There are no surviving minutes after this date.
From the guide to the Records of Bradford Friends Essay and Discussion Society, 1874-1918, (GB 206 Leeds University Library)
