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From the Archives
Debate Clubs
Westminster’s earliest Debate Clubs, the Senior Debating Society and the Junior Debating Society, were created by the school’s founder, William Cushing. The two clubs began to take shape in 1890 and lasted for more than 20 years. An article in the May 9, 1964, issue of The Westminster News states: “Cushing’s reasons for having debating as an activity: It teaches one to speak in public; it teaches one how to address the chair; and it teaches one how to plead for or against some proposition in public assembly, with practical acquaintance with parliamentary procedure.” Formal debates with other schools did not take place until the early 1940s. Stopped by World War II, intramural debating resumed in the early 1960s. Debate Clubs have continued to exist as a student activity over the years.
Above, the Spartan Debating Team circa 1928-1930. The Spartans and the Athenians were rival groups on campus that competed with each other during many school activities, including debates.
Left, a school debate 1963-1964.
Above, the Debate Club in 1981, and near left, in 1992.
Left, an excerpt from an article in the May 9, 1964, issue of The Westminster News about an April 18, 1964, Westminster-Choate debate.
