Oxford Group, 1935-1949

Component identifier:

Series 5

Content Summary:

The Oxford Groups originated in the United States, where the Rev. F.N.D. Buchman founded 'A First Century Christian Fellowship' in 1908. In 1920 Buchman brought his movement to English universities and when Oxford University sent a band of missionaries to South Africa the name 'Oxford Group Movement' was used. By the 1930s there were Oxford Groups in 35 countries. The Groups were non-denominational and were based on informal gatherings called 'House Parties', where members studied the Bible and discussed their personal attitudes to religion.

For several years Kingsley-Strack and her husband were active members of the Oxford Group which met in Bible House, Pitt Street, Sydney. She became disenchanted with the Group during World War II. The papers that she accumulated include correspondence, circulars and a wide range of journals, pamphlets, leaflets and addresses. The later publications relate to Moral Rearmament. The correspondents include Bishop John Moyes, Ivan Menzies, Rev. Robert Firebrace, Margaret Duff, Nan Rainbow, Alec McNeil, Gladys Scott-Orr, Lady David and Edith Cranswick.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The collection was purchased by the Library from Mrs Jan Haskins, the daughter of Joan Kingsley-Strack, in 2001.

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