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THE ORIGINS OF TOC H
In the town of Poperinge, a few miles behind the front-line trenches in WWI there was a house, which came to be known as Talbot House (whose initials, in army telephone jargon, give TOC H its distinctive name). In this house a young Army chaplain, the Rev. 'Tubby' Clayton, set up a rest centre for soldiers. From the start, it was open to all ranks, which was very unusual. Many who visited gained a deeper understanding of other people, and of their own Faith.After the War the men who survived returned to civilian life. They decided to try to recreate the Talbot House experience in peacetime. They started creating opportunities for other people to have that same experience, whether the divisions were of rank, class or any other. To begin with, they set up residential houses like Talbot House. Later, they started forming local branches, which met weekly. Very soon women were fully involved too.
Since then, TOC H has spread to many countries. It mainly works quietly at local level - bridging barriers, giving service, challenging prejudice and encouraging all to find a faith to live by. All are welcome to join this way of living.
The way of life that Toc H members try to live is
explained more fully in a Toc H document known as: |
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