Episkopon (Greek: Επισκοπῶν, sometimes spelled "Episcopon" earlier in its history) is a controversial secret society active at Trinity College in the University of Toronto that dates back to 1858.^[1] The society purports that its namesake, the "Venerable Father Episkopon" (from the Greek word "episkopos") is Trinity's indwelling spirit of guidance. Tradition holds that the words of the Venerable Father are delivered to undergraduates through the utterances of a "Scribe", accompanied by a human skull reverently displayed at Episkopon gatherings.^[2] An affiliated (but separate) all-female incarnation of Episkopon also exists.^[3]

Contents 1 History 2 Traditions 3 Women's Episkopon 4 Recent controversy 5 See also 6 References 7 External links

[edit] History

For one hundred and fifty years, men of Trinity College have served as the Scribe of Episkopon. This succession first came to public notice with the 1858 announcement that Pakenham Edward Stewart, later an Anglican priest, was the first Scribe of Episkopon.^[1] Described in the media as a "self-perpetuating board of directors", the clandestine group of former Scribes and their assisting editors style themselves as "the Order of the Golden Key."^[4]

Episkopon began as a kind of student newspaper. Excerpts from its first edition were published in the Toronto press and became a source of embarrassment to the college. Thereafter, only one copy of each edition was created, to be read aloud by the Scribe.^[1] One attempted student suicide was linked by the Toronto Star to a 1985 reading.^[5] In October 1991, following accusations of racism, sexism, and homophobia in the Episkopon, a task force was formed to investigate it and Trinity College at large.^[2] When the Scribes of the 1992-1993 academic year refused to draft a constitution that was consistent with the task force's recommendations, the Trinity College Council voted unanimously to sever all ties with the organization.^[6] Despite dissociating itself from the college, Episkopon traditions continue to this day.^[5]

[edit] Traditions

The society still presents three "Readings" each academic year that are intended to portray the follies of the college's undergraduates.^[2] Investigative journalist Declan Hill, a Trinity alumnus,^[7] in a 1993 documentary broadcast on the CBC Radio program Ideas, claimed that these readings tended to ridicule certain groups and actions as a form of social control.

Each reading is delivered by the organization's current Scribe; past Scribes have included famous Canadians, including politicians, artists and poets, notably including Bill Graham and Archibald Lampman. In a 1999 newspaper article, reporter Shannon Black of the National Post noted that the intention of the readings was to "prick the pride of Trinity students but without cruelty." The article cited student objections to the singling out of individuals for public shaming.^[3]

Some students maintain that Episkopon serves a very important historical role for undergraduates of the College, providing archives of readings that date as far back as the mid-1800s.^[2] A poster by artist Roloff Beny advertising the Spring reading from 1945 is in possession of the National Archives of Canada.^[8] Also in the National Archives is a film about the former Trinity College campus on Queen Street West, made prior to the College's relocation to Queen's Park. The observance of Episkopon traditions features prominently in this silent movie, made by Gordon Sparling, the Scribe of 1926 and a pioneer in Canadian documentary film-making.

[edit] Women's Episkopon

For just over one hundred years, Women's Episkopon has been active. Mable Pattee is the first known female Scribe of Episkopon, beginning in 1899. Since Pattee, more than one hundred women have served as Scribe. In 2009, Women's Episkopon held their 150th Reading.

A board listing the names of female Scribes once hung in the women's residence, St. Hilda's College, but it disappeared in the '90s. Above the list of names was the quote, "Her conversation hath no bitterness and to live with her hath no sorrow but mirth and joy."

[edit] Recent controversy

In January 2008, a prospective male member of Episkopon sustained head injuries during a hazing ritual. The Toronto Star subsequently printed interviews with men formerly of Trinity College criticizing Episkopon.^{[9] [10]}

[edit] See also

• Collegiate secret societies in North America

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Episkopon
• Women's Episkopon