Other formats

    Adobe Portable Document Format file (facsimile images)   TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 74

What is the Independent Order of Good Templars ?

page break

What is the Independent Order of Good Templars ?

decorative feature

Name.—The Order of Good Templars is a great international brotherhood, based on the practice of Total Abstinence from intoxicating drinks. We derive the name of Templars from our mission in the great crusade against intemperance. The Knights Templars of old banded themselves together by sacred vows, taken amidst solemn ceremonies, to fight for the liberation of the Holy Land from the Pagans, and to protect the Christian Pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. For centuries they led the crusades in Palestine, and valiantly devoted their lives to the work to which they had consecrated themselves. The Good Templars striving to catch the enthusiastic devotion of those bold warriors, go forth to fight a modern crusade against one of the deadliest curses of our land, the giant evil, intemperance. Though not interfering with other Temperance Societies, one of our great aims is to unite the various sections of society in an unceasing warfare to liberate the world from the foe which is annually destroying so many of our precious fellow-beings. The objects of the Order may be briefly enumerated as follow:—
1.To reclaim the intemperate.
2.To sustain them when reclaimed.
3.To save the young from becoming intemperate.
4.To spread in society at large more enlightened opinions as to the fearful nature of the evils of intemperance, and as to the best means for their removal.
5.To get the temptation removed by legislative Prohibition of the manufacture, importation, and sale of intoxicating liquors As a Beverage.

Origin.—It originated in the United States in 1851, since which time it has spread to every clime. Its membership is at the present time about 600,000.

Management.—A Subordinate Lodge is a completely and carefully organised Society, with twelve officers, each having a distinct work. The Lodges are grouped into Districts, and over the whole is the controlling power—the Grand Lodges, having jurisdiction over the countries and states into which the Order has spread, and these find their supreme international head in an International Supreme Lodge, which meets annually in different parts of the world.

Membership.—None can enter the Order unless they profess their belief in Almighty God. The age at which persons are admitted is usually sixteen. Both sexes are on an equality and alike entrusted with the unwritten work of the Order. Thus all are bound together throughout the world in one great brotherhood, where social distinctions are forgotten, all being animated by one object, the benefit of mankind, and none being more cared for than he who is liable to fall away in an unguarded moment if left to himself outside our family circle.

Recreation.—In the Lodge-room lectures, essays, musical entertainments, and social converse, form a powerful inducement to regular attendance.

Regalia.—The Regalia is necessary to distinguish what degree or office the wearer holds; it is of great use in the Lodge; gives a more uniform appearance to the members, and contributes in a high degree to the good order maintained in our Lodges.

Characteristics.—Though the movement is unsectarian, it is thoroughly religions—each Lodge having its Chaplain, who opens and closes the meetings with Prayer, or with a reading from the Holy Bible, which always remains open during a Lodge session.

Claims for Support.—It is called Independent because we do not receive any subscriptions or donations from anyone who is not a member of the Order; but we earnestly appeal to all Christian and Philanthropic men and women to join our ranks and aid as in oar noble mission. The character of the movement is founded on the purest aims; its sympathies are world-wide, and its spirit elevating. Its past triumphs and its present position of stability and popularity render it a peculiarly attractive field to those who would not be behind the age in one of its most truly religions and patriotic institutions.

Issued by the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, I.O.G.T. Price—2s 6d per 1000 copies; or, including postage, 3s 6d per 1000 copies.