Historical information

This pamphlet appears to be the wording for the initiation ceremony of a new member of the Sons of Temperance.

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

Sitting in the back cover of the 1903 minute book of the Sons of Temperance, Star of Moorabbin Division, this pamphlet gives insight into the formal, ritualised manner of gatherings, particularly the initiation ceremony. The inclusion of 'Presiding Sister' in the script suggests this was created after 1918, when the movement officially accepted women into its ranks. However, it was placed within a minute that was discontinued in October 1917.

Physical description

Heavy card with black printed text, surrounded by border in a sort of chain link pattern.