| Description | Minutes discuss finance; building maintenance facilities including the books required by the library; applications by different groups for use of the hall, both from within and outside the University; and the programme of prayer and religious services. The earliest minute book also contains drafts of the constitution and bye laws, and discussion of rent or contributions to be paid by the Student Christian Movement and the endowment from the Edward Cadbury Trust for the maintenance of the hall. By the 1950s, the committee was discussing how to promote services offered by the hall, the development of policy on its use and purpose, and whether the hall could be used for secular cultural activities. The Islamic society was given use of the hall in the early 1960s, and it gained representation on the committee in 1964. There is evidence of use of the hall by other religious faith groups in the 1970s and 1980s. The committee dealt with the appointment of chaplains for different Christian denominations, and there is information about the work of the nominating committee to appoint new chaplains. There are also details about the work of the Chapel sub-committee, and negotiations with the Edward Cadbury trustees. Agendas and supporting papers are included from October 1964. There are also copies of interim and final reports to Guild Council. The run of minutes enables the researcher to chart changes and developments in religious life at the University from the late 1930s onwards |
| Administrative History | St Francis Hall was established in 1937, and by 1939 there was a St Francis Hall committee, for the control and administration of St Francis Hall, composed of representatives from Guild Council as well as members appointed by the Student Christian Movement; Evangelical Christian Union; and Newman Catholic Society, as well as members of Professorial staff and non-Professorial staff. It was a standing committee of the Guild. Finances were subject to the approval of the Finance committee of the Guild. Committee members often had links with the regional Student Christian Movement. Representatives from different faith groups were also involved in the committee by the 1980s |