Rising Tide from 1937 - Oxford Group

Rising Tide Magazine — First and Only Issue (1937)

Publisher: The Oxford Group

Edition: First and Only Issue

Condition: Very Good — light edge wear to cover; interior pages clean; includes original Christmas sale promotion insert (see photos for condition details).

Description

This rare Rising Tide magazine, published in 1937, represents the Oxford Group’s ambitious attempt to launch an ongoing periodical to spread its message of spiritual renewal and global moral rearmament. Though intended as the first issue of a regular publication, it ultimately became the only issue ever printed, making it a unique and highly collectible artifact of Oxford Group history.

The richly illustrated magazine highlights the Oxford Group’s global reach and vision. Feature articles trace the movement’s growth from its roots in Oxford (beginning with Frank Buchman’s influence on a disillusioned post–World War I generation) to its international expansion across South Africa, Switzerland, England, and the United States. The magazine promotes the Oxford Group’s philosophy of absolute honesty, purity, unselfishness, and love as guiding principles for personal and national transformation.

A central focus is the role of youth in leading societal change. Pictorial essays such as “Youth Sets the Pace Toward a New America” and the photo-story “Bill and Mary—And How They Turned the Tide” illustrate the Group’s emphasis on character building, family life, and civic responsibility. International scenes — from South Africa to the Swiss Alps — underscore the Group’s hope for a worldwide spiritual awakening grounded in “God-controlled supernationalism” as a foundation for world peace.

Article Highlights

• “1921—One Man Brought to Oxford” — Recounts Frank Buchman’s early impact on Oxford University students and how his influence spread across a generation.
• “The Tide Spreads to a Nation” — Chronicles the movement’s growth into South Africa, engaging Rhodes Scholars and local leaders.
• “Points the Way in Switzerland” — Reports on Oxford Group activities at Switzerland’s Parliament House and its vision for international unity.
• “Youth Sets the Pace Toward a New America” — A pictorial spread emphasizing the Oxford Group’s belief in the transformative power of youth in shaping society.
• “Bill and Mary—And How They Turned the Tide” — A staged photo-essay showing how applying Oxford Group principles revitalized a troubled marriage.

With its bold visual style and sweeping international scope, this issue of Rising Tide captures both the optimism and urgency of the Oxford Group’s campaign in the 1930s. It stands as a fascinating historical document for collectors interested in the roots of Alcoholics Anonymous, the Moral Re-Armament movement, and the cultural history of interwar spirituality.

Collector’s Notes

Copies of Rising Tide are extremely scarce, as the publication was discontinued after this first issue. This example is preserved in very good condition with only light edge wear and retains the rare original promotional insert for Christmas sales — a desirable addition for serious collectors.

Please view all photos for exact condition.