Wren Society
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| Wren Society | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Founded | October 20, 1832 College of William and Mary |
| Type | Secret society |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Status | Active |
| Scope | Local |
| Motto | Veritas e Aequitas "Truth from Equity" |
| Chapters | 1 |
| Headquarters | Williamsburg, Virginia United States |
The Wren Society is an American collegiate secret society at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. It was established in 1832.
History
[edit]The Wren Society was founded by John Hadley on October 20, 1832, at the College of William & Mary to honor the two hundredth birthday of Sir Christopher Wren.[1][2] It quickly grew in prominence.[2] The society went inactive during the American Civil War.[3]
The Wren Society was reactivted by student in the 20th century and has continued to assist the college.[4] Annually, it recognizes campus involvement and academic achievement by presenting the 1832 Award to eight seniors, three professors, two staff members, and a student organization.[5]
It should not be confused with the Christopher Wren Association which is now called the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in Williamsburg, Virginia.[6]
Traditions
[edit]The society is thought to meet late at night on campus in the Wren Building.[4] Its motto is "Veritas e Aequitas" or "Trust from Equity", and is featured on its crest, along with the founding date of 1832.[citation needed]
Membership
[edit]The Wren Society invites or 'taps' members based on their academics, service, and leadership within the college community.[1] Membership in the Wren Society is confidential but is rumored to consist of a select number of upperclassmen leaders from all walks of campus life.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Wren Society". Special Collections Knowledgebase. College of William and Mary. September 9, 2019. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
- ^ a b Witherill, George. “A sermon delivered at the installation of the Mountain Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the town of Staunton, Virginia, September 23, A.L. 5819,” (Greenfield: Printed by Denio & Phelps, 1819), 12 (P. 4-7).
- ^ Bingham, Paul (April 2021). "Historic Person Societies". Robert Hook Society Newsletter.
- ^ a b c "Wren Society". TWAMPtannica. College of William and Mary. p. 39. Archived from the original on April 15, 2012. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
- ^ Herman, J. R. "Campus Secret Societies". Flat Hat Magazine. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
- ^ Harris, Eden (July 28, 2018). "William & Mary's Christopher Wren Association to be renamed as part of $100,000 grant". Williamsburg Yorktown Daily. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
