| Description | Class XVII was first established in 1855, originally as a section of the Junior Division of Severn Street Men's Early Morning School. Alfred Southall (1838 - 1931) became teacher of the class in 1857. In 1866 the class moved to another class room at Severn Street to accommodate its growing numbers, and an Elementary Section was started at the same time.
Many of the teenagers remained in the class, so as they became older, the class eventually became eligible for the Adult Division. Owing to increased numbers, in 1876 along with Classes XIV and XIV, Class XVII moved to Bristol Street Board Schools.
In 1892, a number of the scholars requested that a Women's Section be started for their wives. A weekly Bible Class began meeting on a Monday afternoon, taught by the wife of the teacher of the Men's Class and by 1895 it had 52 members. A savings club, a blanket club and a library were also started in the Women's Section.
By 1895, Class XVII consisted of two Junior sections and five Elementary Sections, with 110 members on its registers, and it was decided to obtain new premises at Gooch Street where the Christian Society was already holding Meetings for Worship in Gooch Street Hall. The Christian Society offered non-denominational meetings for worship to adult school members and their families and had various branches around Birmingham. At some point after 1895, Class XVII of Bristol Street Division of Severn Street Adult School, moved to the Gooch Street premises and in 1897 the Hall was purchased by the Religious Society of Friends' from the Congregationalists.
In addition to the classes, there was also a Saturday afternoon rambling club, as well as a swimming club, known as Severn Street Swimming Club which was founded in 1892. In 1895 the men's swimming section had 85 members, and the women's swimming section had 44 members.
Alfred Southall was President of the school for 70 years, stepping down in 1931. He was replaced by Robert Woodhead, who was President of Gooch Street for 30 years. Edward Cadbury, Gilbert Southall, Arthur T. Little, Wilfred R. Little were also involved with the school.
In 1995, Class 17 (XVII) was meeting at Cotteridge Quaker Meeting House, but by the end of the decade, the class had closed down.
See also MS 703/1/21/2/2 for Alfred Southall's resignation letter.
See also SF/3/11 and SF/2/1/1/10/5/1/38 for additional records relating to Gooch Street Friends' Hall and Adult School.
See MS 2056 for additional records of Severn Street Swimming Club. |