, 1879-12-11
HISTORY or TIE IADEpEN1ENT OR.
DER OF GOOD TEAlPLhRS
Written for The "Goop TEMpL>R GEM
BY REN, 7. i. PARKER.
Continued from oct. l6rhJ

The names of Garry Chambers,
II. p. Barnes, and d. w. Bristol
have already been mentioned in this
history, but their connection with
and their influence upon the organi
zation deserve more than a passing
notice.
At the second session Of the Grand
Lodge of New York, held at Ithaca,
Nov. 9, 1856, Garry Chambers was
elected G. w. G. T. He was 40
years old, 6 IT,, in. high, well built,
and good talker. His first temper
ance effort was a lecture before
crowded school-house congregation
in the town ir which he lived. For
sone time before the lecture came
off he felt great trepidatlon, and
drove to the school. house almost ex-
hausted by nervous apprehension.
But, as he sat by the stove to warm
himself, all fear vanished. He took
the stand in perfect self'possession,
and for two hours he held the attrn.
tion of the large audience. From
that time he had frequent calls to
lecture.
At the time he was eecred G.. w.
G. Y. there were but twelve lodges
in existence. He held the office but
one year, and at its close was able to
report two hundred and seventy four
lodges, and the Order firmly estab.
lishel. When he retired from Office
he did not retire from the Order, but
continued to labor for its advance
ment. In 1854 he circulated a pc
tition asking the Legislature to en-.
act the Maine Law, and secured 2,
800 names In 1868 he was still
Good Templar, and in the town,
where he lived there we're fifteen
churches, three lodges, and only one
licensed tavern. He still lives on
the old homestead, seventy six years
of age, but has recently become en-.
tirely olind.
At the same time that Garry Cham
bers was elected G.. w. G. T., Fl. p.
Barnes was elected Secretary. He
was then forty-one years Of age, and
is now sixty-eitht. He is sprightly
and active, and bids fair to live for
many years, Mr.. Barnes held the
Office of G. w. S. until tha session
OF 1866. The r. w. G.. L. was in.
stituted in 1855, Mrs. Mary G. Ruck-
man, of Pennsylvania, being elected
R. w. G. S. In consequence of do
mestic affection, she resi- gned the of,
fee in October of the same year, and
Mr.. Barnes was appointed in her
place. In May, 1866, at the session
at Louisville, he was elected to the
position, and served one year. He
acted as Deputy r. w. G.. r., at the
,instition of the Grand Lodges of
Canada, Iowa, and Ohio, aud assist
ed H.. w. G. L. B. Bristol at the in
stitution of the Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania. During his tGrmshe
saw the Order spread into fourteen
States and the Province of Canada,
and to him more than to any other
man does the Order of Good TEN,
plars owe the rapid growth Of its
early years.
Mr.. Barnes is still a member of
tht Order in Tompkins County, and
deeply interested in all that pertains
to its welfare. 7l7 :
A few weeks ago, at the Spencer
Temperance Camp Meeting, day
was given to the Good Tcmplars.
An excursion came down from Ithaca
and Grand w. c. T. Draper called
Father Barnes to- the chair. He
presents venerable but attractive
appearance, and his presence among
US was the source Of much pleasure.
The ritual in use in the early his
tory of the Order was felt to be un-
untitled for the work designed. and
Ia. 7. &. D. Larned, Henry Moore,
"'" ~ AAoSal, were appointed
committee TO revise it. None of the
committee felt competent for the
task They met at the house, of Mr..
Barnes tdS consult, and a Brother
Miles who was present suggested
that Rev. DR.. d. w. Bristol could be
induced to join, he would be just the
man for this work. Mr.. Barnes ia
Vored the idea, and it was resolved
to wait upon him. DR.. Bristol mas
then residing in Ithaca, as pastor of
the NJ. E. Church. DR. Miles ac.