The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1872-10-26 00:00:00

Xocal anb pistritt getus.

GOOD TEMPLARISM.

On Monday evening a meeting was held in St.
Thomas's School-room, to inaugurate the Tn.
unapant Lodge of Good Tempters. The mem-
bers of the Lye Onward Lodge of Good Temp-
ters were present, wearing their " regalia," and
there was a large attendance.
- _

The Rev. H. Sherrard (ricer of St. Thomas's)
presided, and he said he roust distinctly tell the
meeting that he was not a teetotaller either in
principle or practice. Having been pressed to
take the chair, however, he consented to do so,
although he thought it would have been better
if the meeting had obtained a chairman who
fully sympathised with them. He must confess
that he felt very much like a fish out of water,
but whilst he could not agree with the principles
held by the Good Tempters, he did agree in the
great object which that and similar bodies bad
in view in promoting the great cause of temper-
ance throughout the kingdom—(cheers). They
all knew the evils caused by drunkenness, and
Christian ministers should use all the efforts they
could, in accordance with what they thought the
will of Clod, to promote habits of temperance.
That was the ground of unity between the meet-
ing and himself, but he must confess that their
united views seemed to stop there. Some of the
principles laid down in the pamphlets lent hiin
by the secmtary ,ere couched in most intempe-
rate language, to say the least of it; and he did
not hold that to touch wine or beer was in itself
a sin ; nor did he find that it was so laid down
in the Bible. He did not wish to say one word
to damp the ardour or enthusiasm of those en-
gaged in that cause, and he was, at all events,
totally at one with them in the great object they
bad in view in the suppression of drunkenness,
that great blot upon their country.
The Chairman called on

Mr. Rider, the secretary, who said the name
of the lodge that had been commenced there was
called Triumphant Lodge. He was some little
time ago asked to assist in forming a Lodge of
Good Temp'ars, and he then said he did not
know anything about Good Templarism, but they
were good teetotallers, and being one of some
standing himself he thought he could do no harm
by coming forward to help Gaod Templarism,
A few of them came together, but instead of
forming a lodge they formed a committee as they
had not sufficient members at the time to form
a lodge with. Their prospects were bright, how-
ever, and they had found numbers of friends
who were coming forward to assist them in their
good work. They now had 19 members, and
many more had promised to join them the fol-
lowing evening.
. _ _
. .

Mrs. Beaviugton next addressed those present.
She said she wished she could have addressed
the chairman as "Worthy Chief," but she hoped
he would yet identify himself more intimately
with them. Good Tempters were the highest
type of abstainers from intoxicating drink and
all their efforts were required to battle with the
more terrible Zoe, with those who attacked the
holy city. When they saw so much crime and
other evils resulting from the drunken customs
of the country, it would be a stimulus to the
members of all Christian Churches to join them
in advocating the cause of total abstinence.
Mr. J. Jordan, of Wollaston, said ho was not
a Good Templar, but he had been an abstainer
for more than .20 years. He thought before they
saw England free from drunkenness they must
have the influence of the clergy and medical
men on their side. Before their cause could
make much headway in Stourbridge they must
secure the co-operation of intelligent and ear-
nest Christian men, both clerical and lay. He
thought their cause had suffered in the past in
this town from the want of influence,

The Hey. T. Williams, Vicar of St. John's,
expressed his interest in the 'Templars' cause,
and said though he did not think it sinful to
partake, he felt it was wiser and safer to abstain.
If their teetotal friends took that platform they
could not be moved from it. He advised young
people to join that movement or some similar
'unveil-lent. Young people, in going out into the
world were often thrown among men who were
in the habit of drinking to excess, and by de-
grees they were drawn away, and became drunk-
ards themselves.

Mr. H. Newnan] strongly urged those present
who lied not yet joined to do so at once.
Mr. liailey, of Coseley, also delivered a short
address.

Mr. Trnmble, of Worcester, was the next
speaker, and he gave a sketch of the principles
of Good Templarism. Ho said it was doing a
great work in the country, and they now num-
bered 20,000 strong. Good Templarism was now
past its trial, for it had been in existence for 20
years, and it was growing in numbers. There
was a glorious future before them, and he urged
upon those present who had not joined the so-
ciety to do so at once.
The Rev. Lloyd Harris then delivered a short
address.

Mr. John Millwrd, who said he was the oldest
teetotaller in Stourbridg,e, he having been one 38
years, proposed a vote of thanks to the speakers,
which was seconded and carried.

A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the
proceedings.