Historical information

The Sons of Temperance was founded in New York in 1842 and brought to New South Wales by the Baptist minister, Dr William Hobbs, a short time later. Division, or local branches, grew quickly so that in October 1864, a provisional Grand Division was formed with a commitment to spread the word on temperance throughout the country, and the advantages gained by joining a temperance benefit society. It was reported that by 1869, in New South Wales, there was a National Division, two Grand Divisions, and one hundred and seven Divisions, with a total membership of 5970.

In 1868, members of the Church of Christ, Cheltenham, initiated a meeting to form a Division of the Sons of Temperance, which was subsequently called Star of Moorabbin Division, No 29. The meeting was held at the Cheltenham Temperance Hall on 30 September, with office bearers appointed and the larger membership acknowledged.

Significance

The book contains the minutes, including naming office bearers, for the first meeting of the Sons of Temperance, Star of Moorabbin Division, which occurred on 30 September 1868. Minutes continue to be recorded in this volume until October 1873. Several pages at the rear of the book have been used to maintain a list or 'roll' of membership.

Physical description

Hard covered book, lined in green fabric with red leather corners and spine used as a minute book for the Sons of Temperance, Star of Moorabbin Division.