The Chester-Belloc Debate Society

The Chester-Belloc Debate Society

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This page is an open forum for discussions surrounding the Chester-Belloc Debate Society. Debates are open to the entire campus.

The Chester-Belloc Debate Society is Christ­endom Col­lege's premier forum for intel­lectual self-devel­opment. Twice monthly, the Society argues topics of phil­osophy, theo­logy and politics in the refined style of parl­iamentary debate. It forges the virtues of crit­ical thinking, rhet­orical prowess and pol­itical lead­ership in an atmos­phere of aes­thetic refine­ment and camar­aderie. Member­ship is elec­tive and is open to both stu­dents and faculty.

12/21/2025

The Chester-Belloc Debate Society is pleased to announce, although a tad late, the new Troika for the Spring Semester of 2026:
Chairman: Mr. Julian Olmstead
Secretary: Mr. Cody Tucker
Prefect of Secret Rites: Miss Sofia Cummings
A very special thanks to the outgoing Troika for their excellent work during the Fall Semester of 2025:
Former Chairman: Miss Mary Dean
Former Secretary: Miss Chloe Costello
Former Prefect of Secret Rites: Mr. Abram Urbanski

11/21/2025

Mr Julian Olmstead followed in the footsteps of Miss Sofia Cummings, carrying the Cup into the future as the Prefect of Secret Rites for the Spring Semester of 2025. His Prefecture was characterized by his reliability, cool demeanor, and sense of humor. Although Mr Olmstead was often busy as host, his passionate speeches on the floor were always a treat.

11/21/2025

Miss Clare Haller followed Miss Mary Dean in the office of Secretary. Serving as Secretary for the Spring semester of 2025, she acted with great dedication and devotion to her role. Miss Haller continually strove for excellence both on the floor and in all she did as Secretary, and we are extremely grateful to her for her service.

11/21/2025

Following John Taraba's Chairmship, Mr. Luther Young brought his strong personality and devotion to his time as Chair. Under Mr. Young's leadership the Society hosted it's 250th debate, and the Chair was restored, being reupholstered with genuine leather.

11/21/2025

The Chester-Belloc Debate Society is pleased to announce, although very late, the Troika for the Fall Semester of 2025:

Chairman: Miss Mary Dean
Secretary: Miss Chloe Costello
Prefect: Mr. Abram Urbanski

A very special thanks to the Troika of Spring Semester 2025 for their excellent work:

Former Chairman: Mr. Luther Young
Former Secretary: Miss Clare Haller
Former Prefect: Mr. Julian Olmstead

02/27/2025

John Taraba took up the cape following her excellency, Catherine Schmidt. Having served previously as Prefect, Mr. Taraba served with dedication and integrity. The Society flourished under his leadership, enjoying a peaceful and prosperous semester.

02/27/2025

Miss Mary Dean followed Miss Clare Williams in the office of Secretary. A respected member of Duma and a dedicated Secretary, Miss Dean was ever diligent in communication and logistics, making sure Troika operated at maximal efficiency to the betterment of the Society and campus at large.

02/27/2025

Miss Sofia Cummings took hold of the Prefect’s cup after Mr. Luther Young. Miss Cummings was known for her dedication to hospitality, her attention to detail, and her geistly speeches on the floor.

02/27/2025

The Chester-Belloc Debate Society is pleased to announce the Troika for the Spring Semester of 2025:

Chairman: Mr. Luther Young
Secretary: Miss Clare Haller
Prefect of Secret Rites: Mr. Julian Olmstead

A very special thanks to the Troika for the Fall Semester of 2024 for their excellent work:

Former Chairman: Mr. John Taraba
Former Secretary: Miss Mary Dean
Former Prefect of Secret Rites: Miss Sofia Cummings

06/03/2024

Following Mr. Daniel Lovelace, Miss Catherine Schmidt rose to the office of chairman a few semesters after serving under Mr. Peter Dean as secretary. The fourth woman to don the cape, she was known for her captivating speeches and alter ego Leslie.

06/02/2024

Miss Clare Williams followed Miss Catherine Nussio in the office of Secretary. Serving as Secretary for both the fall and spring semesters, she acted with enthusiasm and diligence. Miss Williams brought a warm, approachable presence to the room and eloquent speeches to the floor, and is regarded by many as one of the most exemplary Secretaries of her time.

06/02/2024

Following his predecessor Mr. Taraba, Mr. Luther Young assumed the office of Prefect. His prefecture was known by his large personality in the room, his signature ponytail, and his dedication to the society, showing up for the transfer of power to his successor despite the removal of his appendix hours prior.

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134 Christendom Drive
Front Royal, VA
22630