The topic of this article may not meet Wikipedia's notability guidelines for companies and organizations. Please help to demonstrate the notability of the topic by citing reliable secondary sources that are independent of the topic and provide significant coverage of it beyond a mere trivial mention. If notability cannot be shown, the article is likely to be merged, redirected, or deleted.Find sources: "Wren Society" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (August 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
Wren Society
FoundedOctober 20, 1832
College of William and Mary
TypeSecret society
EmphasisPhilanthropy and leadership
ScopeLocal
MottoVeritas e Aequitas (Truth from Equity)
Chapters1
FounderJohn Hadley
HeadquartersWilliamsburg, Virginia
United States

The Wren Society is an American collegiate secret societies on the campus of the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.[1] It was established in 1832.[1]

History

The Wren Society was founded 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, like many other traditions of the Royal College, fell victim to the American Civil War. Restored in the 20th century by a number of students, the Wren Society has continued to assist the college.

Traditions

The society is thought to meet late at night on the grounds of the original college.[3] Its motto is "Veritas e Aequitas" or "Trust from Equity", and is featured on its crest, along with the founding date of 1832.

Membershp

The Wren Society invites or 'taps' members based on their academics, service, and leadership within the college community.[3][1] Membership in the society is steeped in secrecy but is rumored to consist of a select number of upperclassmen leaders from all walks of campus life.[3] Member decide whether to reveal their connection to the Wren Society at graduation or upon their death.

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Wren Society". Special Collections Knowledgebase. College of William and Mary. September 9, 2019. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  2. ^ 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).
  3. ^ a b c "Yudu - TWAMPtannica2010 - Page 39". twamptannica.wm.edu:80. Archived from the original on April 15, 2012. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
Categories