Meet the fraternity: Civitas Studiosorum Reformatorum

CSR was started in 1961 as a breakaway group from Societas Studiosorum Reformatorum Delft (SSRD), now OJV de Koornbeurs. After World War II an influx of students to SSRD meant the identity of the fraternity was difficult to maintain, and started to focus more on social activities at the expense of its Christian character. “When becoming a member of CSR, it’s important that you want to learn more about God. Not every member is a perfect Christian, but the intention is there, that’s how we maintain our identity,” said Arthur Koeman, CSR’s external affairs officer.

There are three other Christian fraternities in Delft, so what distinguishes CSR? “Perhaps it’s the history, we are our own organisation, only present in Delft. CSR is also open to anyone of Christian faith, regardless of their denomination,” said Koeman. It is also the largest, and the only one with its own building. Based at Oude Delft 9 since 2003, their premises used to be a cinema, and you can still find some cinema seats in the front lounge. CSR named their building Confide.

In terms of structure, every member is part of a small Bible group that meets twice monthly. There are also study groups that study more academic topics, such as economics or philosophy. Sub groups exist for things such as football and sailing, and regular lectures are held. Thursdays are their social evening when they meet at Confide to have a meal, drink and relax. Meals are also open to guests.

Of 250 members, around 25-30% are women. “We have very few internationals, although we are very open to them,” said Koeman. Recruitment is only at OWEE, but it’s possible to join an open Bible group during the academic year.

CSR works closely with the churches in Delft. The Immanuël Church organises the Delft Project: “It’s like an open fraternity for international students, their vision is to show hospitality. They’re a meeting place, and have dinners and excursions. Students from CSR participate in their activities,” explained Koeman. CSR is also connected to the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students, the Delft branch of which holds regular intercultural evenings.

Whilst beer isn’t part of their identity or culture, CSR does have a contract with Gulpener in Limburg. “We’re a small fraternity and we have a contract with a small brewery, which is cool, a bit different,” said Koeman.

For more information about CSR see their website, which has an English page.

In this series we’ll be meeting TU Delft’s student fraternities. These fraternities are called gezelligheidsverenigingen in Dutch, which translates as ‘social clubs’, but in fact they’re far more than that. If you’d like to suggest a fraternity for us to cover, please email us atdeltainternational@tudelft.nl.