Celtic Spirit Lyceum

History of the Lyceum Manual

When Mr Andrew Jackson Davis put his dream of a Lyceum within the Spiritualist movement to the Conference on 25th Jan 1863, his idea of starting Lyceums to forward the teaching of children of this world in the example of what he saw through his visions of the Summerland. His aim was to advance through the medium of the Lyceums the Religion, Philosophy, and Science. Brought to us from the Spirit world.

To assist in the Lyceum Sessions, he devised a Manuel that would give guidelines to the Lyceum Leaders enabling them to have a format on how to impart the Knowledge that the pioneers gleaned in the past, combined with the teachings and methods received from the spirit world.

His Manuel was introduced into Britain the same time as the Lyceum movement by Mr James Burns, and the first British Lyceum was opened in Nottingham in 1866. The Manuel was used to help the Lyceumists to understand what our spirit friends were trying to tell them. That each one of them must have a code of conduct to live their lives by. The exercises in the Manuel,  gave them a guide on how to not only exercise the body by
marching and callisthenics, but also exercise the mind with pearls of wisdom and Silver Chains, Golden chains. While the  songs of praise were there to uplift their spirits and pay homage to God. Each one having their part in the whole picture on how to become a true spiritual being.

The British Lyceums used the American version of the Manuel for quite some time. Until Mr Alfred Kitson who is known as ‘The father of Lyceums’ here in Britain, started his own Lyceum in Gawthorpe with Mr James Burns. During the Lyceum sessions he found he was supplementing the American version of the Manuel with some of his own ideas and thoughts. He had been corresponding with Mr Andrew Jackson Davis, and explained to him that the American Manuel did not cover everything, and he was getting more information and material which he thought would be helpful, to add to the Manuel.

At a Lyceum in Bradford 27 March 1886.  Mr Kitson emphasised the importance of having a British Lyceum Manuel, they all agreed so approached Mr James Burns to see if he could help, but Mr Burns refused on the grounds that it would not be viable financially. Unfortunately Mr Kitson himself was not in the position financially to raise the funds to make these additions to the Manuel. During this time he was also communicating with
Mrs Emma Hardinge. Who herself  had written a 16 page booklet on Spiritualism. She introduced Mr Kitson to a gentleman called Mr Harry Kersey, who was able to help. Mr Kitson saw the opportunity to include the writings of Mrs Hardinge into the Manuel as well.

A sample issue of the Manuel was put together and submitted to the Conference of 25th Sept. 1887. and passed for publication. Mr Harry Kersey published the Manual at his own expense the Manuel when completed included, 75, Silver Chains Recitations, 33 Golden Recitations, 11 Musical Readings, and 13, Lyceum songs. - in all 132 items.                                                                   

Mr Andrew Jackson Davis who was still corresponding regularly with Mr Kitson. Wrote to him on the 27th Sept. 1887. and said I have your ‘English Manuals’ it is better for your Lyceums than ours could be. He also mentioned that he was pleased to see the contributions from Mrs Hardinge in them as well.

The Lyceum Manuel has been used and revised through the years, but still has some of the same format and ideals as when it was first founded. Mr Kersey was invited to write a  book containing tunes to the  hymns in the Manuel, but declined this offer as he was not very musically minded, his sister offered to help and the Lyceum Songster was born.  

 With Mr Alfred Kitsons forward thinking we are able today to use the Lyceum Manuel as well  as the Lyceum Songster as a Handbook, Reference book, and Guide. The 16th Revision was in 1981. and since then the Lyceum Manuel and Songster has been used not only in Lyceums but also by Speakers on the Rostrums at Divine Services and all meetings in the Churches.

Cher's note
I myself have referred to the Manuel for readings at the meetings held at our church, and found useful to explain to people in a simple manner what Spiritualism is all about,and how it can enhance their lives by listening to the teachings of our Spirit friends by living their lives accordingly. It was especially useful when I was I taking my L1 Course and running the Lyceum in the church.

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