Series 12.0 - Men's groups records

AOTS (As One That Serves) is a layman's service organization which is church based but open to all interested men on a broad ecumenical basis, and which maintains an independent organizational and financial structure. The name of the organization is based on the Gospel of St. Luke, 22:27: "I am among you as One that serves". The organization attempts to combine the spiritual with the social on an everyday level.

Over its history, the organization has related to the Church in various ways, including the Board of Men from 1954 and to the Division of Mission from 1972. It also relates to Conferences and Presbyteries through Councils and Districts and within congregations through Men's Clubs.

AOTS had its beginnings in 1923 in Vancouver, at Kerrisdale Methodist Church (Ryerson United), and was started there by a physician, Dr Herbert Riggs. The idea spread to other churches across the country, and became a national organization in 1947. A history of the movement was published in 1973 for the 50th anniversary.

Although there are general aims with which all clubs agree, each group has its own autonomy. The content of both meetings and activities varies amongst clubs throughout the country. There may often be a meeting over a meal and activities range from fund-raising within the congregation where the club is based to far-reaching projects both at home and abroad.

AOTS aims to promote service within a Christian context, allowing for laymen in the church to socialize and support each other, while providing a basis for service. In Newfoundland, by 1970 there were twenty-one men's groups. The 13th national annual convention was held in Newfoundland in 1983.

At Cochrane Street church, there have several efforts to establish a Men's Club. Although there is no mention of any of these clubs being affiliated with the national AOTS organization, even though the aims of service within a Christian context apply at Cochrane Street United Church. There are references in the records of men being invited to meet in the 1910's, and planning meetings for a Men's Club in the 1930's. There is some indication that the present day club had its origins from that time. The men have been meeting over a meal on a regular monthly basis, with a nominal charge being paid for the meal. In the early days of the club, the women's groups often catered as a means of fund-raising. The men have held various events as fund-raisers. The money raised at the dinners, notable among them partridge suppers, flipper suppers and Jiggs dinners, help to support the work of the congregation.

The whereabouts of all the group's records are unknown but the work and activities of the organization are well documented in the Board and Committee records as well as in the annual reports of the congregation.