Agenda of The Green Door Society

Purpose

Establish a sanctuary for gay and bisexual men: The club aims to provide a safe, respectful space for men with shared affections and values.

Document Structure

Clauses

Membership Rules: The agenda clearly outlines the requirements for membership, including its exclusivity to men.

Code of Conduct: A clear code of conduct governs the behavior of members, ensuring mutual respect and privacy.

Charitable Endeavors: The club’s commitment to supporting the less fortunate, the arts, and advocacy for tolerance.

Caveats

Exclusivity: Women are excluded, a restriction detailed in the agenda.

Privacy: A strict discretion rule governs the sharing of members' personal affairs.

Publication Status

Internal Document: The agenda is likely an internal document, not publicly available.

Legal status

Private Society: The club is not officially recognized as a legal entity but functions as a private gathering of gentlemen.

Historical Details

Background

The Green Door Society was founded as a refuge for men who did not fit the societal norms of Victorian England. The founding members, a mix of aristocrats, gentry and men from various walks of life, wanted to create a space where they could openly express their affections and discuss intellectual and artistic topics without fear of societal persecution. The club’s purpose is to foster a community for gay and bisexual men in a time when such identities were suppressed, marginalized, or criminalized.

History

The Society has long been a cornerstone of the underground community in London, with many prominent figures in the city's elite secretly belonging to it. Over the years, the Green Door Society has been rumored to influence cultural and intellectual movements, especially those concerning art and societal reform. Its early history remains largely shrouded in mystery, adding to the intrigue and allure of the club.

Public Reaction

In the public eye, nothing is known about the society’s focus on gay and bisexual men. The Green Door Society is regarded as an exclusive club, with men from all walks of life willing to go to great lengths to gain membership. To outsiders, it is a symbol of status and prestige, with its members thought to be part of London’s highest social circles. The true composition and purpose of the club remain a secret, known only to its inner circle.

Legacy

The Green Door Society’s legacy is one of quiet influence. While its activities are kept secret, its members are known to have subtly supported cultural and intellectual movements that advocated for the betterment of society and greater tolerance for different lifestyles. Through its charitable work and advocacy for tolerance, it has left an enduring impact on the cultural and intellectual landscape of London.

Term

Ongoing: The term of the agenda’s principles is indefinite, continuing as long as the Society persists.

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Agenda of The Green Door Society

The Agenda of The Green Door Society

Motto
Amicitia et Libertas – Friendship and Freedom

Preamble
Within the sacred confines of The Green Door Society, we, gentlemen of refinement, wit, and shared understanding, seek to establish a sanctuary wherein camaraderie and mutual respect may flourish. Let our assembly be not merely a retreat from the world but a beacon of virtue and a force for the betterment of society.

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I. Purpose and Principles

1. Fellowship and Discretion:
   To cultivate bonds of friendship and solidarity amongst gentlemen who, though diverse in rank and fortune, share common affections and sensibilities. Strict discretion shall be upheld as the cornerstone of our society, governing all proceedings and interactions, thus ensuring the trust and safety of all members.
2. Promotion of Virtue:
   To encourage in all members the practice of noble conduct, intellectual enrichment, and the pursuit of personal excellence.
3. Aesthetic and Cultural Appreciation:
   To celebrate and support the arts, literature, and music that elevate the human spirit, providing a forum for intellectual discourse and aesthetic delight.

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II. Rules of Membership

1. Membership shall be restricted to gentlemen of standing within the aristocracy, gentry, or those whose merits and character commend them to our society.
2. While all members shall be united in their affections, let no man be compelled to declare that which is private.
3. Women, though admired for their grace and accomplishments, shall not be admitted as members, in keeping with the Society's commitment to a fraternity exclusively of gentlemen.
4. Each candidate shall undergo thorough scrutiny to confirm his character, discretion, and suitability.
5. An annual subscription shall be remitted, the proceeds of which are devoted to the maintenance of the Society and its pursuits.

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III. Code of Conduct

1. The inviolable rule of discretion shall govern all proceedings of the Society.
2. Members shall comport themselves with courtesy, respect, and civility towards one another.
3. The Society shall remain a sanctuary for gentlemen alone, wherein the presence of ladies is neither sought nor permitted.
4. Disputes among members shall be resolved with dignity and away from public notice.

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IV. Charitable Endeavours

1. Aid for the Less Fortunate:
   To extend assistance to impoverished men of refinement who, due to societal prejudices, have found themselves in hardship. Disbursements shall be made with discretion and dignity.
2. Support for the Arts:
   To endow scholarships and patronages for promising young artists, musicians, and writers, particularly those whose works illuminate the ideals of love, beauty, and human connection.
3. Advocacy for Tolerance:
   To quietly support the betterment of societal attitudes towards those of diverse affections, through anonymous donations to publications and organizations that espouse enlightenment and humanity.

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V. Conduct of Meetings

1. Gatherings:
   Meetings shall be held in the evenings, with a balance of conviviality and decorum. Wine, conversation, and intellectual pursuits shall be our amusements.
2. Occasions of Splendour:
   From time to time, grand events may be hosted under the auspices of the Society, including concerts, lectures, and private theatrical performances.
3. Secrecy:
   All matters discussed within the walls of The Green Door Society shall remain inviolate, and no member shall speak of another’s affairs beyond these walls.

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VI. Assemblies and Diversions

1. Weekly Gatherings: An evening dedicated to the enjoyment of art, music, and learned conversation.
2. Masked Balls: Occasional fêtes of exquisite taste, conducted in an atmosphere of elegance and mystery.
3. Literary Salons: Meetings to discuss literature, philosophy, and the sciences, often graced by distinguished speakers.
4. Private Entertainments: Select performances and amusements for the pleasure of the members.
5. Pastimes of Leisure: Including, but not limited to, games of chess, billiards, and the sharing of fine vintages.

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VII. Symbols and Emblems

1. The emblem of the Society shall be a green door upon a field of sable, symbolizing the threshold to sanctuary and understanding.
2. A golden key, worn discreetly, shall serve as the badge of membership, granting entry to our gatherings and denoting one as a brother of the Society.

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VIII. Governance

The affairs of the Society shall be conducted with decorum, under the stewardship of the following officers:

1. The Chairman: Presiding over all meetings and ensuring adherence to the Society's principles.
2. The Secretary: Charged with the maintenance of records, correspondence, and membership rolls.
3. The Master of Ceremonies: Responsible for the orchestration of events, soirées, and gatherings.
4. The Custodian of Discretion: Ensuring the inviolability of the Society's secrets and the security of its members.

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IX. Legacy and Vision

1. Preservation of Dignity:
   To uphold the dignity and integrity of the Society for generations to come, safeguarding its traditions and principles.
2. Endowment of Future Causes:
   To establish a fund for the support of future charitable and cultural initiatives, ensuring the Society’s impact endures beyond the lives of its founders.

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Establishment and Address
Founded in the year 1878, The Green Door Society resides at 17 Greystoke Street, Mayfair, London.

In this spirit, The Green Door Society shall serve as both haven and hearth, a luminous thread in the rich tapestry of our city. May we ever act with honour, compassion, and courage.

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Type

Report, Manifest

Medium

Vellum / Skin

Authoring Date

1878

Ratification Date

1878

Location

Elmsford Hall

Signatories (Organizations)

• The Green Door Society