Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|UK-based Christian charity}} |
{{short description|UK-based Christian charity}} |
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{{distinguish|text=the Catholic [[Society for the Propagation of the Faith]]}} |
{{distinguish|text=the Catholic [[Society for the Propagation of the Faith]]}} |
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{{Multiple issues| |
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{{COI|date=May 2019}} |
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{{Advert|date=March 2021}} |
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{{Infobox organization |
{{Infobox organization |
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| name = Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge |
| name = Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge |
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The '''Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge''' ('''SPCK''') is a [[United Kingdom|UK]]-based [[Christians|Christian]] charity. Founded in 1698 by [[Thomas Bray]], it has worked for over 300 years to increase awareness of the [[Christians|Christian]] faith in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] and worldwide. |
The '''Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge''' ('''SPCK''') is a [[United Kingdom|UK]]-based [[Christians|Christian]] charity. Founded in 1698 by [[Thomas Bray]], it has worked for over 300 years to increase awareness of the [[Christians|Christian]] faith in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] and worldwide. |
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The SPCK is the oldest [[Anglican]] [[Christian mission|mission]] organisation in the world, though it is now more ecumenical in outlook and publishes books for a wide range of Christian denominations. It is currently the leading publisher of [[Christians|Christian]] books in the [[United Kingdom]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ipg.uk.com/independent-publishing-awards|title=IPG Independent Publishing Awards|access-date=24 August 2017}}</ref> |
The SPCK is the oldest [[Anglican]] [[Christian mission|mission]] organisation in the world, though it is now more ecumenical in outlook and publishes books for a wide range of Christian denominations. It is currently the third-oldest independent publisher{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}} and the leading publisher of [[Christians|Christian]] books in the [[United Kingdom]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ipg.uk.com/independent-publishing-awards|title=IPG Independent Publishing Awards|access-date=24 August 2017}}</ref> |
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== Mission == |
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The SPCK has a vision of a world in which everyone is transformed by Christian knowledge. Its mission is to lead the way in creating books and resources that help everyone to make sense of faith. |
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Education has always been a core part of SPCK's mission. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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=== Foundation === |
=== Foundation === |
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On 8 March 1698, Rev. [[Thomas Bray]] met a small group of friends, including Sir [[Humphrey Mackworth]], Colonel [[Maynard Colchester]], [[Francis North, 2nd Baron Guilford|Lord Guilford]] and [[John Hooke (judge)|John Hooke]] at [[Lincoln's Inn]]. These men were concerned by what they saw as the "growth in vice and immorality" in |
On 8 March 1698, Rev. [[Thomas Bray]] met a small group of friends, including Sir [[Humphrey Mackworth]], Colonel [[Maynard Colchester]], [[Francis North, 2nd Baron Guilford|Lord Guilford]] and [[John Hooke (judge)|John Hooke]] at [[Lincoln's Inn]]. These men were concerned by what they saw as the "growth in vice and immorality" in England at the time,<ref name=Cambs>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/collections/departments/manuscripts-university-archives/significant-archival-collections/society-0|title=Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK)|last=Collins|first=Sian|date=16 March 2017|website=Cambridge University Library |access-date=1 March 2019}}</ref> which they believed was owing to the "gross ignorance of the principles of the Christian religion".<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=SPCK: Past & Present|publisher=SPCK|year=1994|location=London}}</ref> They were also committed to promoting "religion and learning in the plantations abroad".<ref name=":0" /> |
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They resolved to meet regularly to devise strategies to increase their knowledge of Anglican Christianity. They decided that these aims could best be achieved by publishing and distributing Christian literature and encouraging Christian education at all levels. |
They resolved to meet regularly to devise strategies to increase their knowledge of Anglican Christianity. They decided that these aims could best be achieved by publishing and distributing Christian literature and encouraging Christian education at all levels. |
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Closely connected to the [[Church of England]], the SPCK was not active in Scotland, where the [[Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge]] was founded in 1709.<ref name=Cambs/> |
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One of the key priorities for Bray and his friends was to build libraries in market towns. In its first two hundred years, the Society founded many [[charity school]]s for poor children aged 7-11. The Society also provided [[teacher training]].<ref>{{cite web| title =Schooling before the 19th Century| work =Living Heritage| publisher =UK Parliament| url =http://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/transformingsociety/livinglearning/school/overview/before19thcentury/| access-date =1 December 2014 }}</ref> |
One of the key priorities for Bray and his friends was to build libraries in market towns. In its first two hundred years, the Society founded many [[charity school]]s for poor children aged 7-11. The Society also provided [[teacher training]].<ref>{{cite web| title =Schooling before the 19th Century| work =Living Heritage| publisher =UK Parliament| url =http://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/transformingsociety/livinglearning/school/overview/before19thcentury/| access-date =1 December 2014 }}</ref> |
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SPCK has worked overseas since its foundation. The initial focus was the British colonies in the Americas. Libraries were established for the use of clergy and their parishioners, and books were frequently shipped across the Atlantic throughout the 18th century. In 1709, SPCK sent a printing press and trained printer to [[Tranquebar]] in East India to assist in the production of the first translation of the Bible into [[Tamil language|Tamil]]. This was accomplished by the German [[Lutheran]] missionaries [[Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg]] and [[Heinrich Pluetschau]] from the [[Danish-Halle Mission]]. |
SPCK has worked overseas since its foundation. The initial focus was the British colonies in the Americas. Libraries were established for the use of clergy and their parishioners, and books were frequently shipped across the Atlantic throughout the 18th century. In 1709, SPCK sent a printing press and trained printer to [[Tranquebar]] in East India to assist in the production of the first translation of the Bible into [[Tamil language|Tamil]]. This was accomplished by the German [[Lutheran]] missionaries [[Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg]] and [[Heinrich Pluetschau]] from the [[Danish-Halle Mission]]. |
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As the British Empire grew in the 19th century, SPCK supported the planting of new churches around the world. Funds were provided for church buildings, schools, theological training colleges, and to provide chaplains for the ships taking emigrants to their new homes. While the SPCK supported the logistics of church planting and provided resources for theological learning, by the 19th century it did not often send missionaries overseas. Instead, this work was passed to other organizations such as its sister society the [[United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel]] (USPG), which was also founded by Bray. In Ireland, the APCK was founded in 1792 to work alongside the Church of Ireland; in south India the Indian Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge was established to support the Anglican missions in that region and is affiliated with SPCK.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ispck.org.in/aboutus.php |publisher=Indian Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge|title=About|accessdate=26 August 2020}}</ref> |
As the British Empire grew in the 19th century, SPCK supported the planting of new churches around the world. Funds were provided for church buildings, schools, theological training colleges, and to provide chaplains for the ships taking emigrants to their new homes. While the SPCK supported the logistics of church planting and provided resources for theological learning, by the 19th century it did not often send missionaries overseas. Instead, this work was passed to other organizations such as its sister society the [[United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel]] (USPG), which was also founded by Bray. In Ireland, the [[Association for Promoting Christian Knowledge]] (APCK) was founded in 1792 to work alongside the Church of Ireland; in south India the Indian Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (ISPCK) was established to support the Anglican missions in that region and is affiliated with SPCK.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ispck.org.in/aboutus.php |publisher=Indian Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge|title=About|accessdate=26 August 2020}}</ref> |
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During the twentieth century, SPCK's overseas mission concentrated on providing free study literature for those in a number of ministerial training colleges around the world, especially in Africa. The International Study Guide series was provided, free of charge, to [[seminaries|theological training colleges]] across the world. They can still be purchased from the SPCK website,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spckpublishing.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=ISG|title=Search results for: 'ISG'|publisher=SPCK Publishing|access-date=13 March 2019}}</ref> although the focus of SPCK's worldwide mission is now on developing the African Theological Network Press. |
During the twentieth century, SPCK's overseas mission concentrated on providing free study literature for those in a number of ministerial training colleges around the world, especially in Africa. The International Study Guide series was provided, free of charge, to [[seminaries|theological training colleges]] across the world. They can still be purchased from the SPCK website,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spckpublishing.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=ISG|title=Search results for: 'ISG'|publisher=SPCK Publishing|access-date=13 March 2019}}</ref> although the focus of SPCK's worldwide mission is now on developing the African Theological Network Press. |
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From the late 1800s to the early 20th century, SPCK ran a Training College for Lay Workers on Commercial Road in Stepney Green, London.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spckpublishing.co.uk/blog/a-very-brief-history-of-spck-s-charitable-work.html|title=A Very Brief History of SPCK's Charitable Work|publisher=SPCK Publishing|access-date=1 March 2019}}</ref> This was set up to provide a theological education for working-class men, with the aim of better helping clergy to conduct services. It was also anticipated that with a firmer understanding of the Bible, theology and the values of the Anglican church, these men might be able to instruct their own communities. |
From the late 1800s to the early 20th century, SPCK ran a Training College for Lay Workers on Commercial Road in Stepney Green, London.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spckpublishing.co.uk/blog/a-very-brief-history-of-spck-s-charitable-work.html|title=A Very Brief History of SPCK's Charitable Work|publisher=SPCK Publishing|access-date=1 March 2019}}</ref> This was set up to provide a theological education for working-class men, with the aim of better helping clergy to conduct services. It was also anticipated that with a firmer understanding of the Bible, theology and the values of the Anglican church, these men might be able to instruct their own communities. |
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Throughout the |
Throughout the twentieth century, the SPCK offered support to [[ordinands]] in the Anglican church. These were men and women in training to become priests in the Church of England, who had fallen upon hard times and may have otherwise been unable to continue their studies. Today, this support continues through the Richards Trust<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spckpublishing.co.uk/grants|title=Grants|publisher=SPCK Publishing|access-date=7 March 2019}}</ref> and the Ordinands Library app.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sonsandfriends.org.uk/ordinands/ordinand-library/|title=Ordinand Library|publisher=Sons and Friends|access-date=7 March 2019}}</ref> |
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=== Publishing and distribution === |
=== Publishing and distribution === |
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From its earliest days, the SPCK commissioned tracts and pamphlets, making it the third-oldest publishing house in England. (Only the [[Oxford University Press|Oxford]] and [[Cambridge University Press]]es have existed longer.) Very early on, SPCK member [[George Sale]] translated ''The Koran'' into English and this was published in 1734 by the SPCK, much to the praise of [[Voltaire]]. |
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Throughout the 18th century, SPCK was by far the largest producer of Christian literature in Britain. The range of its output was considerable |
Throughout the 18th century, SPCK was by far the largest producer of Christian literature in Britain.{{cn|date=October 2023}} The range of its output was considerable - from pamphlets aimed at specific groups such as farmers, prisoners, soldiers, seamen, servants and slave-owners, to more general works on subjects such as baptism, confirmation, Holy Communion, the Prayer Book, and private devotion. Increasingly, more substantial books were also published, both on Christian subjects and, from the 1830s, on general educational topics as well. |
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Depositories were established at [[Great Queen Street]], [[Lincoln Inn's Fields]], [[Royal Exchange, London|Royal Exchange]] and [[Piccadilly]].<ref name="BTAO">{{Cite book| title=The children of Seeligsberg| date=1875| author= BTAO}}</ref> |
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⚫ | SPCK's early publications were distributed through a network of supporters who received books and tracts to sell or give away in their own localities. Large quantities of Christian literature were provided for the Navy, and the Society actively encouraged the formation of parish libraries, to help both clergy and laity. By the 19th century, members had organized local district committees, many of which established small book depots |
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⚫ | SPCK's early publications were distributed through a network of supporters who received books and tracts to sell or give away in their own localities. Large quantities of Christian literature were provided for the Navy, and the Society actively encouraged the formation of parish libraries, to help both clergy and laity. By the 19th century, members had organized local district committees, many of which established small book depots - which at one time numbered over four hundred. These were overseen by central committees such as the Committee of General Literature and Education. In 1875 the addresses of their "depositories" in London were given as [[Great Queen Street]], [[Lincoln Inn's Fields]], [[Royal Exchange, London|Royal Exchange]] and [[Piccadilly]],<ref name="BTAO" /> by 1899 they were at [[Northumberland Avenue]], W.C.; [[Charing Cross]], W.C. and 43 [[Queen Victoria Street, London|Queen Victoria Street]], E.C..<ref>"The Dawn of Day", 256th edition</ref> Six years later, in edition 331, the depository was closed at Charing Cross, but a new one added at 129, North Street in Brighton. |
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⚫ | In the 1930s, a centrally coordinated network of SPCK Bookshops was established, offering a wide range of books from many different publishers. At its peak, the SPCK |
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⚫ | In the 1930s, a centrally coordinated network of SPCK Bookshops was established, offering a wide range of books from many different publishers. At its peak, the SPCK Bookshop chain consisted of 40 shops in the UK and 20 overseas. The latter were gradually passed into local ownership during the 1960s and 1970s. |
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[[Holy Trinity Church, Marylebone]], Westminster, London is a former Anglican church, built in 1828 by Sir [[John Soane]]. By the 1930s, it had fallen into disuse and in 1936 was used by the newly founded Penguin Books company to store books. A children's slide was used to deliver books from the street into the large crypt. In 1937, Penguin moved out to [[Harmondsworth]], and the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge moved in. It was their headquarters until 2004, when it moved to [[Diocese of London|London Diocesan House]] in Causton Street, Pimlico. The bookshop moved to Tufton Street, Westminster, in 2003. |
[[Holy Trinity Church, Marylebone]], Westminster, London is a former Anglican church, built in 1828 by Sir [[John Soane]]. By the 1930s, it had fallen into disuse and in 1936 was used by the newly founded Penguin Books company to store books. A children's slide was used to deliver books from the street into the large crypt. In 1937, Penguin moved out to [[Harmondsworth]], and the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge moved in. It was their headquarters until 2004, when it moved to [[Diocese of London|London Diocesan House]] in Causton Street, Pimlico. The bookshop moved to Tufton Street, Westminster, in 2003. |
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In 1999 the SPCK established the Assemblies website to provide resources for school assemblies.<ref>[https://www.assemblies.org.uk/about/how-to-use/ SPCK Assemblies - About - How to use this site], assemblies.org.uk. Retrieved 24 December 2023.</ref> |
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⚫ | On 1 November 2006, St Stephen the Great Charitable Trust (SSG) took over the bookshops but continued to trade under the SPCK name, under licence from SPCK. That licence was withdrawn in October 2007. However, some shops continued trading as SPCK Bookshops without licence until the SSG operation was closed down in 2009. |
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⚫ | On 1 November 2006, St Stephen the Great Charitable Trust (SSG) took over the bookshops but continued to trade under the SPCK name, under licence from SPCK. That licence was withdrawn in October 2007. However, some shops continued trading as SPCK Bookshops without licence until the SSG operation was closed down in 2009.{{cn|date=October 2023}} In 2006 Alec Gilmore described what he called the "narrowing" of the SPCK's vision.<ref>Alec Gilmore, [https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2006/22-december/comment/before-they-narrowed-the-vision "Before they narrowed the vision"], ''[[Church Times]]'', 19 December 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.</ref> |
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In 2019 the SPCK's "specialist medical, mental health and self-help imprint", The Sheldon Press, was acquired by Hachette UK.<ref>Katharine Cowdrey, [https://www.thebookseller.com/news/spcks-sheldon-press-join-john-murray-learning-923766 "Hachette acquires SPCK's Sheldon Press"], ''[[The Bookseller]]'', 3 January 2019. Retrieved 23 December 2023.</ref> |
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=== SPCK's former book series === |
=== SPCK's former book series === |
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* Early Church Classics<ref name="wallace" /> |
* Early Church Classics<ref name="wallace" /> |
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* Early Chroniclers of Europe<ref>[https://www.worldcat.org/search?q=se%3AEarly%20chroniclers%20of%20Europe se:Early chroniclers of Europe], worldcat.org. Retrieved 19 April 2023.</ref> |
* Early Chroniclers of Europe<ref>[https://www.worldcat.org/search?q=se%3AEarly%20chroniclers%20of%20Europe se:Early chroniclers of Europe], worldcat.org. Retrieved 19 April 2023.</ref> |
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* Ecclesiastical Biographies<ref>E. K. Sanders (Ella Katharine Sanders), ''[https://archive.org/details/SainteChantal/page/n7/mode/2up Sainte Chantal, 1572-1641: A Study in Vocation]'', London: SPCK, 1918 (Ecclesiastical Biographies), title page. Retrieved 21 April 2023.</ref> |
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* Ecclesiastical Biographies Series |
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* English Theologians |
* English Theologians |
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* Exploring the Old Testament |
* Exploring the Old Testament |
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* The Fathers for English Readers<ref name="wallace" /><ref name="symonds" /><ref name="codrington" /> |
* The Fathers for English Readers<ref name="wallace" /><ref name="symonds" /><ref name="codrington" /> |
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* First Steps in General Knowledge<ref>Sarah Tomlinson, ''[https://archive.org/details/vegetablekingdom00tomlrich/page/232/mode/2up The Vegetable Kingdom]'', London: SPCK, c. 1840 (First Steps in General Knowledge), series list in final pages. Retrieved 19 April 2023.</ref> |
* First Steps in General Knowledge<ref>Sarah Tomlinson, ''[https://archive.org/details/vegetablekingdom00tomlrich/page/232/mode/2up The Vegetable Kingdom]'', London: SPCK, c. 1840 (First Steps in General Knowledge), series list in final pages. Retrieved 19 April 2023.</ref> |
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* Gospel and Culture |
* Gospel and Culture |
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* The Heathen World and St. Paul<ref name="douglas">[[Robert Kennaway Douglas|Robert K. Douglas]], ''[https://archive.org/details/confucianismtao00doug/page/n293/mode/2up Confucianism and Taouism : With a Map]'', London: SPCK, 1879 (Non-Christian Religious Systems), publisher's advertisement in final pages. Retrieved 19 April 2023.</ref><ref name="codrington" /> |
* The Heathen World and St. Paul<ref name="douglas">[[Robert Kennaway Douglas|Robert K. Douglas]], ''[https://archive.org/details/confucianismtao00doug/page/n293/mode/2up Confucianism and Taouism : With a Map]'', London: SPCK, 1879 (Non-Christian Religious Systems), publisher's advertisement in final pages. Retrieved 19 April 2023.</ref><ref name="codrington" /> |
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* Helps for Students of History<ref name="saint-patrick" /> |
* Helps for Students of History<ref name="saint-patrick" /> |
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⚫ | * Heroes of Science<ref name="clare">Austin Clare, ''[https://archive.org/details/gri_33125006029694/page/n331/mode/2up The Carved Cartoon : A Picture of the Past]'', London: SPCK, 1895, publisher's list in final pages. Retrieved 19 April 2023.</ref><ref name="bower">John A. Bower, [https://archive.org/details/cu31924003551102/page/n123/mode/2up Simple Methods for Detecting Food Adulteration], London: SPCK, 1895, publisher's advert in final pages. Retrieved 22 April 2023.</ref> |
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* The Historic Monuments of England<ref name="saint-patrick" /> |
* The Historic Monuments of England<ref name="saint-patrick" /> |
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* The History of the Ancient Peoples of the Classic East<ref name="browne" /> |
* The History of the Ancient Peoples of the Classic East<ref name="browne" /> |
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* The Home Library<ref name="langtry">John Langtry, ''[https://archive.org/details/historyofthechur00languoft/page/n257/mode/2up History of the Church in Eastern Canada and Newfoundland]'', London: SPCK, 1892 (Colonial Church Histories), publisher's advertisement in final pages. Retrieved 19 April 2023.</ref> |
* The Home Library<ref name="langtry">John Langtry, ''[https://archive.org/details/historyofthechur00languoft/page/n257/mode/2up History of the Church in Eastern Canada and Newfoundland]'', London: SPCK, 1892 (Colonial Church Histories), publisher's advertisement in final pages. Retrieved 19 April 2023.</ref> |
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* Illustrated |
* Illustrated Hand-books of Art History |
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* Illustrated |
* Illustrated Notes on English Church History |
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* The Indian Church Commentaries |
* The Indian Church Commentaries |
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* Lectures In Hyde Park |
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⚫ | * Lessons on the Way for the Use of Inquirers and Teachers<ref>Percy Dearmner, ''[https://archive.org/details/lessonsonwayvol20002perc/page/n3/mode/2up Belief in God and in Jesus Christ]''. Londen: SPCK and Cambridge: W. Hefner and Sons, 1936 (Lessons on the Way for the Use of Inquirers and Teachers), list in preliminary pages. Retrieved 19 April 2023.</ref> |
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⚫ | * Lessons on the Way for the Use of Inquirers and Teachers<ref>Percy Dearmner, ''[https://archive.org/details/lessonsonwayvol20002perc/page/n3/mode/2up Belief in God and in Jesus Christ]. Londen: SPCK and Cambridge: W. Hefner and Sons, 1936 (Lessons on the Way for the Use of Inquirers and Teachers), list in preliminary pages. Retrieved 19 April 2023.</ref> |
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* Library of Pastoral Care |
* Library of Pastoral Care |
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* Little Books on Religion |
* Little Books on Religion |
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* A Little Outline Of Christianity |
* A Little Outline Of Christianity |
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* Manuals of Elementary Science<ref name="proctor">Richard A. Proctor, ''[https://archive.org/details/b28060222/page/n139/mode/2up The Spectroscope and Its Work]'', London: SPCK and New York: Pott, Young, 1877 (Manuals of Elementary Science), final page. Retrieved 19 April 2023.</ref> |
* Manuals of Elementary Science<ref name="proctor">Richard A. Proctor, ''[https://archive.org/details/b28060222/page/n139/mode/2up The Spectroscope and Its Work]'', London: SPCK and New York: Pott, Young, 1877 (Manuals of Elementary Science), final page. Retrieved 19 April 2023.</ref><ref name="bower" /> |
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* Manuals of Health<ref name="proctor" /><ref name="clare" /> |
* Manuals of Health<ref name="proctor" /><ref name="clare" /><ref name="bower" /> |
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* Missionary Stories Series |
* Missionary Stories Series |
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⚫ | * Natural History Rambles<ref>[[Peter Martin Duncan|P. Martin Duncan]], ''[https://archive.org/details/seashore00dunc/page/n3/mode/2up The Sea-shore]'', London: SPCK, 1879 (Natural History Rambles). Retrieved 19 April 2023.</ref><ref>Rev. J. G. Wood, [https://archive.org/details/lanefield00woodiala/page/246/mode/2up Lane and Field], London: SPCK, 1897, publisher's list, p. 1. Retrieved 19 April 2023.</ref><ref name="clare" /><ref name="bower" /> |
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* Modern Church |
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* The Mountain Lover's Series |
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⚫ | * Natural History Rambles<ref>[[Peter Martin Duncan|P. Martin Duncan]], [https://archive.org/details/seashore00dunc/page/n3/mode/2up The Sea-shore |
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* The Nature Lover's Series |
* The Nature Lover's Series |
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* New Library of Pastoral Care<ref>Michael Butler and Ann Orbach, ''[https://archive.org/details/beingyouragepast0000butl/page/n3/mode/2up Being Your Age : Pastoral Care for Older People]'', London: SPCK, 1993, frontispiece. Retrieved 19 April 2023.</ref> |
* New Library of Pastoral Care<ref>Michael Butler and Ann Orbach, ''[https://archive.org/details/beingyouragepast0000butl/page/n3/mode/2up Being Your Age : Pastoral Care for Older People]'', London: SPCK, 1993, frontispiece. Retrieved 19 April 2023.</ref> |
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* What is Romanism? |
* What is Romanism? |
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* White Lily Series |
* White Lily Series |
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* The Zoo |
* The Zoo |
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}} |
}} |
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====Based on lecture series==== |
====Based on lecture series==== |
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{{columns-list|colwidth=30em| |
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em| |
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* The Rhind Lectures in Archaeology |
* The Rhind Lectures in Archaeology |
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* Warburton Lectures |
* Warburton Lectures |
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}} |
}} |
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=== SPCK's former pedagogical aids === |
=== SPCK's former pedagogical aids === |
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* Atlases<ref name="bower" /> |
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* Church History Cartoons<ref name="symonds" /> |
* Church History Cartoons<ref name="symonds" /> |
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* Maps, "mounted on canvas and roller, varnished"<ref name="bower" /> |
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== |
== SPCK in the 2020s == |
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The SPCK's publishing team produces around 80 titles per year, for audiences from a wide range of Christian traditions and none. The SPCK publishes under three main imprints |
The SPCK's publishing team produces around 80 titles per year, for audiences from a wide range of Christian traditions and none. The SPCK publishes under its own name, SPCK Publishing, and via three main imprints, IVP, Lion Hudson and Marylebone House. |
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=== SPCK === |
=== SPCK Publishing === |
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SPCK Publishing is a market leader in the areas of theology and Christian spirituality.<ref name="About SPCK">{{Cite web|url=https://spckpublishing.co.uk/about-us|title=About SPCK|publisher=SPCK Publishing|access-date=8 March 2019}}</ref> At present, key authors for SPCK include the Anglican New Testament scholar [[N. T. Wright]], the former Archbishop of Canterbury [[Rowan Williams]], [[Paula Gooder]] and [[Alister McGrath]]. Recent additions to SPCK's list include [[Guvna B]], and Ben Cooley, founder of [[Hope for Justice]]. |
SPCK Publishing is a market leader in the areas of theology and Christian spirituality.<ref name="About SPCK">{{Cite web|url=https://spckpublishing.co.uk/about-us|title=About SPCK|publisher=SPCK Publishing|access-date=8 March 2019}}</ref> At present, key authors for SPCK include the Anglican New Testament scholar [[N. T. Wright]], the former Archbishop of Canterbury [[Rowan Williams]], [[Paula Gooder]] and [[Alister McGrath]]. Recent additions to SPCK's list include [[Guvna B]], and Ben Cooley, founder of [[Hope for Justice]]. |
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SPCK is also increasingly gaining recognition in the secular space in genres such as history and leadership. SPCK represent authors such as [[Terry Waite]], [[Melvyn Bragg]] and [[Janina Ramirez]]. |
SPCK is also increasingly gaining recognition in the secular space in genres such as history and leadership. SPCK represent authors such as [[Terry Waite]], [[Melvyn Bragg]] and [[Janina Ramirez]]. |
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====SPCK's current book series==== |
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In 2023 SPCK Publishing was issuing the following series:<ref>[https://spckpublishing.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=series Search results for: series], spckpublishing.co.uk. Retrieved 22 April 2023.</ref> |
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* Discovering Series |
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* Food for the Journey |
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* For Everyone Series |
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=== IVP === |
=== IVP === |
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=== Lion Hudson === |
=== Lion Hudson === |
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SPCK purchased [[Lion Hudson]] in 2021 |
SPCK purchased [[Lion Hudson]] in 2021<ref>{{cite web|work=The Bookseller|title=SPCK buys Lion Hudson's publishing business|url=https://www.thebookseller.com/news/spck-buys-lion-hudson-become-uks-biggest-publisher-1256461}}</ref> which is now an SPCK imprint. |
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=== Marylebone House === |
=== Marylebone House === |
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In 2014, SPCK launched its fiction imprint, Marylebone House,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marylebonehousebooks.co.uk/|publisher=Marylebone House|title=Home page|access-date=8 March 2019}}</ref> which publishes a range of contemporary and historical fiction, short stories and clerical crime mysteries,<ref name="About SPCK"/> with Christian characters and Christian themes. |
In 2014, SPCK launched its fiction imprint, Marylebone House,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marylebonehousebooks.co.uk/|publisher=Marylebone House|title=Home page|access-date=8 March 2019}}</ref> which publishes a range of contemporary and historical fiction, short stories and clerical crime mysteries,<ref name="About SPCK"/> with Christian characters and Christian themes. |
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=== Diffusion |
=== Diffusion prison fiction === |
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SPCK also owns the imprint Diffusion, which has published 12 titles especially commissioned for adults who struggle to read. These titles are divided into two series, "Star" and "Diamond". Star books are written for adults who are new to reading and need to improve their very basic skills, while the Diamond series is more appropriate for learners who want to develop their reading confidence further.<ref name="Dbooks">{{Cite web |title=Diffusion Books |url=https://spckpublishing.co.uk/diffusion_books |access-date=13 March 2019 |publisher=SPCK Publishing}}</ref> All of the books are |
SPCK also owns the imprint Diffusion, which has published 12 titles especially commissioned for adults who struggle to read. These titles are divided into two series, "Star" and "Diamond". Star books are written for adults who are new to reading and need to improve their very basic skills, while the Diamond series is more appropriate for learners who want to develop their reading confidence further.<ref name="Dbooks">{{Cite web |title=Diffusion Books |url=https://spckpublishing.co.uk/diffusion_books |access-date=13 March 2019 |publisher=SPCK Publishing}}</ref> All of the books are suitable for adults, but written in a style and typeface that is accessible to people with very basic literacy skills. |
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SPCK provides these books for free to prisons including to individual prisoners, prison libraries and prison reading groups. This is done with the aim of addressing two major causes of re-offending: lack of employment on release and lack of support from family and friends. At the end of each chapter, the Diffusion books contain questions which can be discussed in a reading group, thereby developing verbal communication and social skills. These questions focus on developing empathy by asking questions like "what would it feel like to be in that character's position?" and encourage self-reflection by asking "how does this example apply to my own life?".<ref>{{Cite web |title=What We Do {{!}} Improving Literacy |url=https://www.diffusionbooks.org.uk/reading-groups |access-date=13 March 2019 |publisher=Diffusion Books}}</ref> |
SPCK provides these books for free to prisons including to individual prisoners, prison libraries and prison reading groups. This is done with the aim of addressing two major causes of re-offending: lack of employment on release and lack of support from family and friends. At the end of each chapter, the Diffusion books contain questions which can be discussed in a reading group, thereby developing verbal communication and social skills. These questions focus on developing empathy by asking questions like "what would it feel like to be in that character's position?" and encourage self-reflection by asking "how does this example apply to my own life?".<ref>{{Cite web |title=What We Do {{!}} Improving Literacy |url=https://www.diffusionbooks.org.uk/reading-groups |access-date=13 March 2019 |publisher=Diffusion Books}}</ref> |
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By the end of 2018, the SPCK had sent Diffusion books to 70% of prisons in the UK. In 2018 alone, it sent out over 6,500 books. |
By the end of 2018, the SPCK had sent Diffusion books to 70% of prisons in the UK. In 2018 alone, it sent out over 6,500 books. |
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== Assemblies website == |
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In 1999, the SPCK created the assemblies website as a new way in which to promote Christian knowledge amongst the youth of Britain. The aim of the assemblies website is to provide teachers with easy access to free resources, empowering them to deliver high-quality assemblies that make their pupils explore faith and their own beliefs. |
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Since it was created, the assemblies website has become a web community where experienced teachers and youth leaders can share their ideas, assembly scripts and tips and tricks for delivering engaging assemblies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.assemblies.org.uk/about/about-us/|title=SPCK Assemblies - About |website=Assemblies|access-date=13 March 2019}}</ref> |
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There are now over 1500 assembly scripts on the website. Each month, SPCK commissions 16 new assemblies; 8 for primary schools and 8 for secondary schools. In addition to these, 'rapid response' assemblies may be added within 24 hours of momentous world events.<ref name="spckpublishing.co.uk">{{Cite web|url=https://spckpublishing.co.uk/assemblies|title=School Assemblies|publisher=SPCK Publishing|access-date=13 March 2019}}</ref> Many assemblies focus on Christian themes, but other address pastoral issues common within schools. The Festivals of World Religions section also encourages awareness of other religions and enables teachers to celebrate children of other faiths.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.assemblies.org.uk/pri/worldreligions/|title=School Assemblies - Primary|website=Assemblies|access-date=13 March 2019}}</ref> |
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Every month, the assemblies website attracts over 50,000 unique visitors and the most popular assemblies are viewed over 10,000 times.<ref name="spckpublishing.co.uk"/> |
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In 2018, the SPCK also redeveloped its Welsh language offering, leading to a bank of 600 Welsh language assembly scripts. |
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Together with the [[Akrofi-Christaller Institute|Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture]], the Jesuit Historical Institute in Africa and Missio Africanus, the SPCK founded the African Theological Network Press (the ATNP). The ATNP publishes theology written by Africans on topics that matter to African Christians. |
Together with the [[Akrofi-Christaller Institute|Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture]], the Jesuit Historical Institute in Africa and Missio Africanus, the SPCK founded the African Theological Network Press (the ATNP). The ATNP publishes theology written by Africans on topics that matter to African Christians. |
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The ATNP is a centralised commissioning and editorial unit, based in [[Nairobi]]. The material is distributed across Africa to be printed locally, which avoids the problems of localised publishing where books rarely make it outside the country in which they are published. |
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The ATNP seeks to mitigate the dependence of African theological study and teaching on publications from the global North.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web|url=https://spckpublishing.co.uk/african-theological-network-press|title=African Theological Network Press - ATNP|publisher=SPCK Publishing|access-date=8 March 2019}}</ref> |
The ATNP seeks to mitigate the dependence of African theological study and teaching on publications from the global North.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web|url=https://spckpublishing.co.uk/african-theological-network-press|title=African Theological Network Press - ATNP| publisher=SPCK Publishing| access-date=8 March 2019}}</ref> |
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== |
==SSPCK in Scotland == |
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The Scottish sister society,<ref name="Tanner 2004">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AXyq-Umw9DgC&q=%22Society+for+the+Promotion+of+Christian+Knowledge%22 |title=The Last of the Celts |last=Tanner |first=Marcus |publisher=Yale University Press |date=2004 |isbn=0-300-10464-2 |page=35 |url-access=limited }}</ref> the '''Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge''' ('''SSPCK'''), was formed by royal charter in 1709<ref name="Tanner 2004"/> as a separate organisation with the purpose of founding schools "where religion and virtue might be taught to young and old" in the [[Scottish Highlands]] and other "uncivilised" areas of the country. It was intended to counter the threat of Catholic missionaries and of growing Highland [[Jacobitism]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Porter |first=Andrew |title=Religion Versus Empire?: British Protestant Missionaries and Overseas Expansion, 1700–1914 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ldQxO_yIPSEC&pg=PP9 |year=2004 |publisher=Manchester University Press |page=9 |isbn=9780719028236 |
The Scottish sister society,<ref name="Tanner 2004">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AXyq-Umw9DgC&q=%22Society+for+the+Promotion+of+Christian+Knowledge%22 |title=The Last of the Celts |last=Tanner |first=Marcus |publisher=Yale University Press |date=2004 |isbn=0-300-10464-2 |page=35 |url-access=limited }}</ref> the '''Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge''' ('''SSPCK'''), was formed by royal charter in 1709<ref name="Tanner 2004"/> as a separate organisation with the purpose of founding schools "where religion and virtue might be taught to young and old" in the [[Scottish Highlands]] and other "uncivilised" areas of the country. It was intended to counter the threat of Catholic missionaries and of growing Highland [[Jacobitism]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Porter |first=Andrew |title=Religion Versus Empire?: British Protestant Missionaries and Overseas Expansion, 1700–1914 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ldQxO_yIPSEC&pg=PP9 |year=2004 |publisher=Manchester University Press |page=9 |isbn=9780719028236 }}</ref> |
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According to [[John Lorne Campbell]], "Too often Scottish writers, and particularly writers on the history of the Scottish Highlands, have confused 'education' with '[[Calvinist]] [[indoctrination]]', such as was given in the S.P.C.K. schools in the Scottish [[Highlands and Islands]], where the ''[[Westminster Confession of Faith]]'', the ''[[Westminster Shorter Catechism|Shorter Catechism]]'', ''[[Vincent's Catechism]]'', the ''[[Protestant's Resolutions]]'', ''[[Pool's Dialogues]]'', and ''[[William Guthrie (minister)|Guthrie]]'s Trials'', all in [[English language|English]], formed the bulk of an unattractive list of school books."<ref> Frederick G. Rea (1997), ''A School in South Uist: Reminiscences of a Hebridean Scoolmaster, 1890-1913'', edited and with an introduction by John Lorne Campbell, [[Birlinn Limited]]. Page ''xvii''.</ref>. |
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At first, the SSPCK avoided using the [[Scottish Gaelic|Gaelic language]], with the result that pupils ended up learning by rote without understanding what they were reading.<ref>{{cite book |author=Anthony W. Parker |title=Scottish Highlanders in Colonial Georgia: The Recruitment, Emigration, and Settlement at Darien, 1735–1748 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-xNydb93XUMC&pg=PA33 |year=2010 |publisher=University of Georgia Press |page=33 |isbn=9780820327181 }}</ref> SSPCK rules from 1720 required the teaching of literacy and numeracy "but not any [[Latin]] or Irish"<ref name="Tanner 2004"/> (then a common term for Gaelic on both sides of the [[Irish Sea]]), and the Society boasted "that barbarity and the Irish language ... are almost rooted out" by their teaching.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Our Gaelic Bible |journal=The Celtic Magazine |date=1879 |location=Edinburgh |volume=4 |page=43 }} Cited in Tanner (2004).</ref> In 1753, an act of the Society forbade students "either in the schoolhouse or when playing about the doors thereof to speak Erse, under pain of being chastised".<ref name="Mason 1954">{{cite journal |last=Mason |first=John |date=1954 |title=Scottish Charity Schools of the Eighteenth Century |journal=Scottish Historical Review |volume=33 |issue=115 |pages=1–13 |jstor=25526234}}</ref> |
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In 1741, the SSPCK introduced the Gaelic–English vocabulary compiled by the poet [[Alasdair Mac Mhaighstir Alasdair]], then, in 1767, introduced a ''New Testament'' designed with facing pages of Gaelic and English texts for both languages to be read alongside one another,<ref>{{cite book |last=MacKinnon |first=Kenneth |author-link=Ken MacKinnon |title=Gaelic: A past and future prospect |publisher=Saltire Society |year=1991 |page=56 }}</ref> with more success. In 1766, it allowed its Highland schools to use Gaelic alongside English as languages of instruction.<ref name="Mason 1954"/> In 1790, a Society preacher still insisted that English [[monolingualism]] was a Society goal<ref>{{cite book |last=Macinnes |first=J |title=The Evangelical Movement in the Highlands of Scotland, 1688 to 1800 |location=Aberdeen |date=1951 |page=244 }} Cited in Tanner (2004).</ref> and a decade later Society schools continued to use [[corporal punishment]] against students speaking Gaelic.<ref name="Tanner 2004"/> In the early 19th century, the Society activity declined. Its educational work was taken over by the [[Gaelic medium education in Scotland|Gaelic Societies of Edinburgh]], [[Glasgow Gaelic School|Glasgow]] and [[Inverness]]. |
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* Sam Richardson, CEO |
* Sam Richardson, CEO |
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* Bishop [[John Pritchard (bishop)|John Pritchard]], former chair of trustees |
* Bishop [[John Pritchard (bishop)|John Pritchard]], former chair of trustees |
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==Further reading== |
==Further reading== |
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===Books=== |
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* Allen, William Osborne Bird & McClure, Edmund (1898) ''Two Hundred Years: the History of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, |
* Allen, William Osborne Bird & McClure, Edmund (1898) ''Two Hundred Years: the History of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1698-1898'' [https://archive.org/details/twohundredyearsh00alle/page/n7/mode/2up online] |
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* Clarke, W. K. Lowther (1959) ''A History of the SPCK''. London: SPCK |
* Clarke, W. K. Lowther (1959) ''A History of the SPCK''. London: SPCK |
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* Clarke, W. K. Lowther (1919) ''[https://archive.org/details/shorthistoryofsp00clarrich/page/n5/mode/2up A Short History of the S.P.C.K.]'' London: SPCK and New York: Macmillan |
* Clarke, W. K. Lowther (1919) ''[https://archive.org/details/shorthistoryofsp00clarrich/page/n5/mode/2up A Short History of the S.P.C.K.]'' London: SPCK and New York: Macmillan |
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* [[T. C. Smout|Smout, T. C.]] (1985), ''A History of the Scottish People'', Fontana Press, {{ISBN|0-00-686027-3}} |
* [[T. C. Smout|Smout, T. C.]] (1985), ''A History of the Scottish People'', Fontana Press, {{ISBN|0-00-686027-3}} |
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===Articles=== |
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* Grigg, John A., "'How This Shall Be Brought About': The Development of the SSPCK's American Policy," ''Itinerario'' (Leiden), 32 (no. 3, 2008), 43–60. |
* Grigg, John A., "'How This Shall Be Brought About': The Development of the SSPCK's American Policy," ''Itinerario'' (Leiden), 32 (no. 3, 2008), 43–60. |
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* Nishikawa, Sugiko. "The SPCK in defence of protestant minorities in Early Eighteenth-Century Europe." ''Journal of Ecclesiastical History'' 56.04 (2005): |
* Nishikawa, Sugiko. "The SPCK in defence of protestant minorities in Early Eighteenth-Century Europe." ''Journal of Ecclesiastical History'' 56.04 (2005): 730-748. |
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* Simon, Joan. "From charity school to workhouse in the 1720s: The SPCK and Mr Marriott's solution." ''History of education'' 17#2 (1988): 113–129. |
* Simon, Joan. "From charity school to workhouse in the 1720s: The SPCK and Mr Marriott's solution." ''History of education'' 17#2 (1988): 113–129. |
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* Threinen, Norman J. (1988) ''Friedrich Michael Ziegenhagen ( |
* Threinen, Norman J. (1988) ''Friedrich Michael Ziegenhagen (1694-1776). German Lutheran Pietist in the English court''. In: ''Lutheran Theological Review'' 12, pp. 56-94. |
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* Withrington, D. J. "The SPCK and Highland Schools in Mid-Eighteenth Century." ''Scottish Historical Review'' 41.132 (1962): |
* Withrington, D. J. "The SPCK and Highland Schools in Mid-Eighteenth Century." ''Scottish Historical Review'' 41.132 (1962): 89-99. |
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;Journals |
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* [https://spckpublishing.co.uk/academic/theology ''Theology''] |
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* [https://archive.today/20081028192655/http://www.spck.org.uk/cat/show.php?9780281046225 ''Readings In Indian Christian Theology''] |
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== |
==External links== |
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{{commons category|Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge}} |
*{{commons category-inline|Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge}} |
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* [http://www.spckpublishing.co.uk SPCK Publishing], official website for the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20051022235437/http://www.spckusa.org/wp/ The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge/USA] official website |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070614220226/http://www.rfs.scotshome.com/Education_and_Anglicisation.htm Education and Anglicisation: The Policy of the SSPCK toward the education of The Highlander, 1709–1825] by [[Charles W. J. Withers]] |
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* [http://spckssg.wordpress.com/ SPCK SSG: News, Notes & Info] |
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* [https://www.assemblies.org.uk Assemblies] Assemblies official website |
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* [https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1127179534/findingaid Guide to the Records of The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (as filmed by the AJCP)] at [[National Library of Australia]] |
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* [http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/book/lookupname?key=Society%20for%20Promoting%20Christian%20Knowledge%20%28Great%20Britain%29 Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (Great Britain)] at [[University of Pennsylvania]]'s [[Online Books Page]] |
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* [https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/36434/pg36434-images.html Publications of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (1902 Catalog)] at [[Project Gutenberg]] |
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{{Authority control}} |
{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category:Christian publishing companies]] |
[[Category:Christian publishing companies]] |
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[[Category:Educational book publishing companies]] |
[[Category:Educational book publishing companies]] |
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[[Category:History of education]] |
[[Category:History of education in the United Kingdom]] |
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[[Category:Organisations based in the City of Westminster]] |
[[Category:Organisations based in the City of Westminster]] |
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[[Category:Religion in the City of Westminster]] |
[[Category:Religion in the City of Westminster]] |
Latest revision as of 15:54, 19 July 2024
![]() | |
Abbreviation | SPCK |
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Formation | 1698 |
Founder | Thomas Bray |
Type | Church of England Christian media Christian charity Christian mission |
Headquarters | 36 Causton Street London SW1P 4ST United Kingdom |
Website | spckpublishing |
The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK) is a UK-based Christian charity. Founded in 1698 by Thomas Bray, it has worked for over 300 years to increase awareness of the Christian faith in the UK and worldwide.
The SPCK is the oldest Anglican mission organisation in the world, though it is now more ecumenical in outlook and publishes books for a wide range of Christian denominations. It is currently the third-oldest independent publisher[citation needed] and the leading publisher of Christian books in the United Kingdom.[1]
History
[edit]Foundation
[edit]On 8 March 1698, Rev. Thomas Bray met a small group of friends, including Sir Humphrey Mackworth, Colonel Maynard Colchester, Lord Guilford and John Hooke at Lincoln's Inn. These men were concerned by what they saw as the "growth in vice and immorality" in England at the time,[2] which they believed was owing to the "gross ignorance of the principles of the Christian religion".[3] They were also committed to promoting "religion and learning in the plantations abroad".[3]
They resolved to meet regularly to devise strategies to increase their knowledge of Anglican Christianity. They decided that these aims could best be achieved by publishing and distributing Christian literature and encouraging Christian education at all levels.
Closely connected to the Church of England, the SPCK was not active in Scotland, where the Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge was founded in 1709.[2]
The SPCK sought to tackle a number of social and political issues of the time.[2] It actively campaigned for penal reform, provided for the widows and children of clergy who died whilst overseas, and provided basic education for slaves in the Caribbean.
One of the key priorities for Bray and his friends was to build libraries in market towns. In its first two hundred years, the Society founded many charity schools for poor children aged 7-11. The Society also provided teacher training.[4]
Evangelism overseas
[edit]SPCK has worked overseas since its foundation. The initial focus was the British colonies in the Americas. Libraries were established for the use of clergy and their parishioners, and books were frequently shipped across the Atlantic throughout the 18th century. In 1709, SPCK sent a printing press and trained printer to Tranquebar in East India to assist in the production of the first translation of the Bible into Tamil. This was accomplished by the German Lutheran missionaries Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg and Heinrich Pluetschau from the Danish-Halle Mission.
As the British Empire grew in the 19th century, SPCK supported the planting of new churches around the world. Funds were provided for church buildings, schools, theological training colleges, and to provide chaplains for the ships taking emigrants to their new homes. While the SPCK supported the logistics of church planting and provided resources for theological learning, by the 19th century it did not often send missionaries overseas. Instead, this work was passed to other organizations such as its sister society the United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (USPG), which was also founded by Bray. In Ireland, the Association for Promoting Christian Knowledge (APCK) was founded in 1792 to work alongside the Church of Ireland; in south India the Indian Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (ISPCK) was established to support the Anglican missions in that region and is affiliated with SPCK.[5]
During the twentieth century, SPCK's overseas mission concentrated on providing free study literature for those in a number of ministerial training colleges around the world, especially in Africa. The International Study Guide series was provided, free of charge, to theological training colleges across the world. They can still be purchased from the SPCK website,[6] although the focus of SPCK's worldwide mission is now on developing the African Theological Network Press.
Supporting the Church of England
[edit]From the late 1800s to the early 20th century, SPCK ran a Training College for Lay Workers on Commercial Road in Stepney Green, London.[7] This was set up to provide a theological education for working-class men, with the aim of better helping clergy to conduct services. It was also anticipated that with a firmer understanding of the Bible, theology and the values of the Anglican church, these men might be able to instruct their own communities.
Throughout the twentieth century, the SPCK offered support to ordinands in the Anglican church. These were men and women in training to become priests in the Church of England, who had fallen upon hard times and may have otherwise been unable to continue their studies. Today, this support continues through the Richards Trust[8] and the Ordinands Library app.[9]
Publishing and distribution
[edit]From its earliest days, the SPCK commissioned tracts and pamphlets, making it the third-oldest publishing house in England. (Only the Oxford and Cambridge University Presses have existed longer.) Very early on, SPCK member George Sale translated The Koran into English and this was published in 1734 by the SPCK, much to the praise of Voltaire.
Throughout the 18th century, SPCK was by far the largest producer of Christian literature in Britain.[citation needed] The range of its output was considerable - from pamphlets aimed at specific groups such as farmers, prisoners, soldiers, seamen, servants and slave-owners, to more general works on subjects such as baptism, confirmation, Holy Communion, the Prayer Book, and private devotion. Increasingly, more substantial books were also published, both on Christian subjects and, from the 1830s, on general educational topics as well.
Depositories were established at Great Queen Street, Lincoln Inn's Fields, Royal Exchange and Piccadilly.[10]
SPCK's early publications were distributed through a network of supporters who received books and tracts to sell or give away in their own localities. Large quantities of Christian literature were provided for the Navy, and the Society actively encouraged the formation of parish libraries, to help both clergy and laity. By the 19th century, members had organized local district committees, many of which established small book depots - which at one time numbered over four hundred. These were overseen by central committees such as the Committee of General Literature and Education. In 1875 the addresses of their "depositories" in London were given as Great Queen Street, Lincoln Inn's Fields, Royal Exchange and Piccadilly,[10] by 1899 they were at Northumberland Avenue, W.C.; Charing Cross, W.C. and 43 Queen Victoria Street, E.C..[11] Six years later, in edition 331, the depository was closed at Charing Cross, but a new one added at 129, North Street in Brighton.
In the 1930s, a centrally coordinated network of SPCK Bookshops was established, offering a wide range of books from many different publishers. At its peak, the SPCK Bookshop chain consisted of 40 shops in the UK and 20 overseas. The latter were gradually passed into local ownership during the 1960s and 1970s.
Holy Trinity Church, Marylebone, Westminster, London is a former Anglican church, built in 1828 by Sir John Soane. By the 1930s, it had fallen into disuse and in 1936 was used by the newly founded Penguin Books company to store books. A children's slide was used to deliver books from the street into the large crypt. In 1937, Penguin moved out to Harmondsworth, and the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge moved in. It was their headquarters until 2004, when it moved to London Diocesan House in Causton Street, Pimlico. The bookshop moved to Tufton Street, Westminster, in 2003.
In 1999 the SPCK established the Assemblies website to provide resources for school assemblies.[12]
On 1 November 2006, St Stephen the Great Charitable Trust (SSG) took over the bookshops but continued to trade under the SPCK name, under licence from SPCK. That licence was withdrawn in October 2007. However, some shops continued trading as SPCK Bookshops without licence until the SSG operation was closed down in 2009.[citation needed] In 2006 Alec Gilmore described what he called the "narrowing" of the SPCK's vision.[13]
In 2019 the SPCK's "specialist medical, mental health and self-help imprint", The Sheldon Press, was acquired by Hachette UK.[14]
SPCK's former book series
[edit]Book series published over the years have included the following:
- Alcuin Club: Collections
- Ancient History from the Monuments[15][16]
- Apple Blossom Series
- The Bede Histories[17]
- Bible Study Series
- Biblical Studies
- Canadian History Series
- Chit-Chat Series[18]
- Chief Ancient Philosophies[19]
- Christian Knowledge Booklets[20]
- Christian Spirituality
- The Church Historical Society Series[21]
- The Churchman's Popular Library[22]
- Colonial Church Histories[19]
- Commentary on the Bible
- Conversion of the West[19]
- The Dawn of European Literature[19]
- Diocesan Histories[19][23][16]
- Earth's Many Voices
- Early Britain[19][16]
- Early Church Classics[19]
- Early Chroniclers of Europe[24]
- Ecclesiastical Biographies[25]
- English Theologians
- Exploring the Old Testament
- The Fathers for English Readers[19][23][16]
- First Steps in General Knowledge[26]
- Gospel and Culture
- The Heathen World and St. Paul[27][16]
- Helps for Students of History[17]
- Heroes of Science[28][29]
- The Historic Monuments of England[17]
- The History of the Ancient Peoples of the Classic East[15]
- The Home Library[30]
- Illustrated Hand-books of Art History
- Illustrated Notes on English Church History
- The Indian Church Commentaries
- Legends Revived
- Lessons on the Way for the Use of Inquirers and Teachers[31]
- Library of Pastoral Care
- Little Books on Religion
- A Little Outline Of Christianity
- Manuals of Elementary Science[32][29]
- Manuals of Health[32][28][29]
- Missionary Stories Series
- Natural History Rambles[33][34][28][29]
- The Nature Lover's Series
- New Library of Pastoral Care[35]
- Non-Christian Religious Systems[27][19][23]
- The Northern Lessons Series
- Notes on Famous Churches and Abbeys
- Notes on the Cathedrals[36]
- One Shilling Series
- Pages From the Past
- Pan-Anglican Papers
- The People's Library[23]
- Penny Library of Fiction[28]
- Penny Pocket Library of Pure Literature[28]
- The Picture Library
- Pioneers of Progress[37]
- Poems of Child Life and Country Life
- Romance of Science Series[30][28]
- Rose Series
- The Scholar in the Pulpit
- Sermons for the People[19]
- Sheldon Series
- Short Stories Founded on European History
- Side-Lights of Church History
- SPCK Assemblies
- SPCK Cathedral Series
- SPCK Educational Books
- SPCK International Study Guides
- SPCK Orange Series
- The Story of The English Towns[38]
- Studies in Church History[17]
- Tales for the Nursery and the Young[28]
- Texts for Students[17]
- Theological Collections[39]
- Theology Occasional Papers
- Translations of Christian Literature[17]
- Translations of Early Documents[17]
- Uniform Library Edition of Mrs. Ewing's Works (also known as: Authorised Edition of Mrs. Ewing's Works)[28]
- Verse Books for Children
- What is Romanism?
- White Lily Series
- The Zoo
Based on lecture series
[edit]- The Croall Lectures
- Manchester Cathedral Lectures
- Moorhouse Lectures
- The Rhind Lectures in Archaeology
- Warburton Lectures
- The White Lectures, Delivered in St. Paul's Cathedral in 1933
SPCK's former periodicals
[edit]- The Child's Pictorial: A Monthly Coloured Magazine
- The Dawn of Day
- Golden Sunbeams: A Church Magazine for Children
- The Home Friend: A Weekly Miscellany of Amusement and Instruction
- The People's Magazine: An Illustrated Miscellany for Family Reading
- The Saturday Magazine
SPCK's former pedagogical aids
[edit]SPCK in the 2020s
[edit]The SPCK's publishing team produces around 80 titles per year, for audiences from a wide range of Christian traditions and none. The SPCK publishes under its own name, SPCK Publishing, and via three main imprints, IVP, Lion Hudson and Marylebone House.
SPCK Publishing
[edit]SPCK Publishing is a market leader in the areas of theology and Christian spirituality.[40] At present, key authors for SPCK include the Anglican New Testament scholar N. T. Wright, the former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, Paula Gooder and Alister McGrath. Recent additions to SPCK's list include Guvna B, and Ben Cooley, founder of Hope for Justice.
SPCK is also increasingly gaining recognition in the secular space in genres such as history and leadership. SPCK represent authors such as Terry Waite, Melvyn Bragg and Janina Ramirez.
SPCK's current book series
[edit]In 2023 SPCK Publishing was issuing the following series:[41]
- Discovering Series
- Food for the Journey
- For Everyone Series
- Modern Church Series
IVP
[edit]SPCK merged with Inter-Varsity Press (IVP) in 2015.[42] IVP maintains its own board of trustees and editorial board. Key authors for IVP include John Stott, Don Carson, Amy Orr-Ewing and Emma Scrivener.
Lion Hudson
[edit]SPCK purchased Lion Hudson in 2021[43] which is now an SPCK imprint.
Marylebone House
[edit]In 2014, SPCK launched its fiction imprint, Marylebone House,[44] which publishes a range of contemporary and historical fiction, short stories and clerical crime mysteries,[40] with Christian characters and Christian themes.
Diffusion prison fiction
[edit]SPCK also owns the imprint Diffusion, which has published 12 titles especially commissioned for adults who struggle to read. These titles are divided into two series, "Star" and "Diamond". Star books are written for adults who are new to reading and need to improve their very basic skills, while the Diamond series is more appropriate for learners who want to develop their reading confidence further.[45] All of the books are suitable for adults, but written in a style and typeface that is accessible to people with very basic literacy skills.
SPCK provides these books for free to prisons including to individual prisoners, prison libraries and prison reading groups. This is done with the aim of addressing two major causes of re-offending: lack of employment on release and lack of support from family and friends. At the end of each chapter, the Diffusion books contain questions which can be discussed in a reading group, thereby developing verbal communication and social skills. These questions focus on developing empathy by asking questions like "what would it feel like to be in that character's position?" and encourage self-reflection by asking "how does this example apply to my own life?".[46]
By the end of 2018, the SPCK had sent Diffusion books to 70% of prisons in the UK. In 2018 alone, it sent out over 6,500 books.
The African Theological Network Press
[edit]Together with the Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture, the Jesuit Historical Institute in Africa and Missio Africanus, the SPCK founded the African Theological Network Press (the ATNP). The ATNP publishes theology written by Africans on topics that matter to African Christians.
The ATNP is a centralised commissioning and editorial unit, based in Nairobi. The material is distributed across Africa to be printed locally, which avoids the problems of localised publishing where books rarely make it outside the country in which they are published.
The ATNP seeks to mitigate the dependence of African theological study and teaching on publications from the global North.[47]
SSPCK in Scotland
[edit]The Scottish sister society,[48] the Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge (SSPCK), was formed by royal charter in 1709[48] as a separate organisation with the purpose of founding schools "where religion and virtue might be taught to young and old" in the Scottish Highlands and other "uncivilised" areas of the country. It was intended to counter the threat of Catholic missionaries and of growing Highland Jacobitism.[49]
Prominent SPCK members
[edit]- Steven East, chair of trustees
- Sam Richardson, CEO
- Bishop John Pritchard, former chair of trustees
Notes
[edit]- ^ "IPG Independent Publishing Awards". Retrieved 24 August 2017.
- ^ a b c Collins, Sian (16 March 2017). "Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK)". Cambridge University Library. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
- ^ a b SPCK: Past & Present. London: SPCK. 1994.
- ^ "Schooling before the 19th Century". Living Heritage. UK Parliament. Retrieved 1 December 2014.
- ^ "About". Indian Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
- ^ "Search results for: 'ISG'". SPCK Publishing. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
- ^ "A Very Brief History of SPCK's Charitable Work". SPCK Publishing. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
- ^ "Grants". SPCK Publishing. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
- ^ "Ordinand Library". Sons and Friends. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
- ^ a b BTAO (1875). The children of Seeligsberg.
- ^ "The Dawn of Day", 256th edition
- ^ SPCK Assemblies - About - How to use this site, assemblies.org.uk. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
- ^ Alec Gilmore, "Before they narrowed the vision", Church Times, 19 December 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
- ^ Katharine Cowdrey, "Hachette acquires SPCK's Sheldon Press", The Bookseller, 3 January 2019. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
- ^ a b George Forrest Browne, Alcuin of York: Lectures Delivered in the Cathedral Church of Bristol in 1907 and 1908, London: SPCK, 1908, publisher's list, p. 5. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Thomas Codrington, Roman Roads in Britain, London: SPCK, 1903 (Early Britain), publications list in final pages. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g Publication of the S.P.C.K. and the Sheldon Press: Books for Students and Others, in: St. Patrick, His Writings and Life, London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge; New York: Macmillan, 1920 (Translations of Christian Literature: Series V: Lives of the Celtic Saints), publisher's catalogue in the final pages. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
- ^ "Chit-chat series" + "Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge", worldcat.org. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j William Wallace, Epicurianism, London: SPCK, 1880 (Chief Ancient Philosophies), publications list in the final pages. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ se:Christian Knowledge Booklets, worldcat.org. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ se:Church Historical Society Series, worldcat.org. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ se:Churchman's Popular Library, worldcat.org. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Edward Symonds, The Story of the Australian Church, London: SPCK, 1898 (Colonial Church Histories), publications lists in final pages. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ se:Early chroniclers of Europe, worldcat.org. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ E. K. Sanders (Ella Katharine Sanders), Sainte Chantal, 1572-1641: A Study in Vocation, London: SPCK, 1918 (Ecclesiastical Biographies), title page. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
- ^ Sarah Tomlinson, The Vegetable Kingdom, London: SPCK, c. 1840 (First Steps in General Knowledge), series list in final pages. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ a b Robert K. Douglas, Confucianism and Taouism : With a Map, London: SPCK, 1879 (Non-Christian Religious Systems), publisher's advertisement in final pages. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Austin Clare, The Carved Cartoon : A Picture of the Past, London: SPCK, 1895, publisher's list in final pages. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f John A. Bower, Simple Methods for Detecting Food Adulteration, London: SPCK, 1895, publisher's advert in final pages. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
- ^ a b John Langtry, History of the Church in Eastern Canada and Newfoundland, London: SPCK, 1892 (Colonial Church Histories), publisher's advertisement in final pages. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ Percy Dearmner, Belief in God and in Jesus Christ. Londen: SPCK and Cambridge: W. Hefner and Sons, 1936 (Lessons on the Way for the Use of Inquirers and Teachers), list in preliminary pages. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ a b Richard A. Proctor, The Spectroscope and Its Work, London: SPCK and New York: Pott, Young, 1877 (Manuals of Elementary Science), final page. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ P. Martin Duncan, The Sea-shore, London: SPCK, 1879 (Natural History Rambles). Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ Rev. J. G. Wood, Lane and Field, London: SPCK, 1897, publisher's list, p. 1. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ Michael Butler and Ann Orbach, Being Your Age : Pastoral Care for Older People, London: SPCK, 1993, frontispiece. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ se:Notes on the Cathedrals, worldcat.org. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ Pioneers of Progress (Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge) - Book Series List, publishinghistory.com. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ^ J. S. Fletcher, Leeds, London: SPCK; New York, The Macmillan Company, 1919, publisher's list on final page. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ Matthew Black, The Scrolls and Christianity: Historical and Theological Significance, London: SPCK, 1968 (Theological Collections, 11), frontispiece. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ a b "About SPCK". SPCK Publishing. Retrieved 8 March 2019.
- ^ Search results for: series, spckpublishing.co.uk. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
- ^ "SPCK moves to secure future of IVP". The Bookseller. Retrieved 8 March 2019.
- ^ "SPCK buys Lion Hudson's publishing business". The Bookseller.
- ^ "Home page". Marylebone House. Retrieved 8 March 2019.
- ^ "Diffusion Books". SPCK Publishing. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
- ^ "What We Do | Improving Literacy". Diffusion Books. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
- ^ "African Theological Network Press - ATNP". SPCK Publishing. Retrieved 8 March 2019.
- ^ a b Tanner, Marcus (2004). The Last of the Celts. Yale University Press. p. 35. ISBN 0-300-10464-2.
- ^ Porter, Andrew (2004). Religion Versus Empire?: British Protestant Missionaries and Overseas Expansion, 1700–1914. Manchester University Press. p. 9. ISBN 9780719028236.
Further reading
[edit]Books
[edit]- Allen, William Osborne Bird & McClure, Edmund (1898) Two Hundred Years: the History of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1698-1898 online
- Clarke, W. K. Lowther (1959) A History of the SPCK. London: SPCK
- Clarke, W. K. Lowther (1919) A Short History of the S.P.C.K. London: SPCK and New York: Macmillan
- Smout, T. C. (1985), A History of the Scottish People, Fontana Press, ISBN 0-00-686027-3
Articles
[edit]- Grigg, John A., "'How This Shall Be Brought About': The Development of the SSPCK's American Policy," Itinerario (Leiden), 32 (no. 3, 2008), 43–60.
- Nishikawa, Sugiko. "The SPCK in defence of protestant minorities in Early Eighteenth-Century Europe." Journal of Ecclesiastical History 56.04 (2005): 730-748.
- Simon, Joan. "From charity school to workhouse in the 1720s: The SPCK and Mr Marriott's solution." History of education 17#2 (1988): 113–129.
- Threinen, Norman J. (1988) Friedrich Michael Ziegenhagen (1694-1776). German Lutheran Pietist in the English court. In: Lutheran Theological Review 12, pp. 56-94.
- Withrington, D. J. "The SPCK and Highland Schools in Mid-Eighteenth Century." Scottish Historical Review 41.132 (1962): 89-99.
External links
[edit]Media related to Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge at Wikimedia Commons
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- Christian organizations established in the 17th century
- Christian publishing companies
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- 1698 establishments in England