Lodges mid Societies. 297 



CORNER-STONE LODGE INDEPENDENT ORDER OF 



GOOD TEMPLARS. 



The Independent Order of Good Templars dates its birth 

 from the year 1851, in the State of New York, and crystallizing 

 the best features of former organizations, it was welcomed for its 

 systematic effort, thorough discipline, grand object, and just 

 belief that women should enjoy equal rights and privileges with 

 men. It is represented in every civilized country, and makes no 

 distinction in race, sex, or color. 



Its object is, by moral and religious precepts, to teach men, 

 women, and children the evils of intoxication. By social ties, 

 oratory, song, debate, and various exercises to enlighten and 

 amuse, and make the Lodge Room and the Temple interesting. 

 It seeks to reclaim those fallen by means of strong drink, and to 

 prevent others from falling. By all ways in which the home is 

 made valuable, it strives to make the Lodge-Room, its fraternal 

 home, attractive. 



Its platform is total abstinence for the individual, and prohibi- 

 tion for the State ; and it endeavors to arouse men to the impor- 

 tance of the ballot-box in the destruction of the dram-shop and 

 the protection of the family, home, and country. 



Every person of good character is welcomed to the privileges of 

 the Order. 



Corner-Stone Lodge No. 13, of Hingham, was instituted Jan. 22, 

 1881. Its meetings were held for one year in Abbott's Building, 

 on South Street, near Thaxter's Bridge, then for seven years in 

 Thayer's Building, corner of Broad Bridge and North Street. 

 In October, 1889, the Lodge took a lease of the upper story of 

 Abbott's Building, next west of the first place of meeting, formerly 

 called " Oasis Hall," and dedicated it as " Good Templars' Hall." 



The Lodge is in a flourishing condition. 



« 



TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES. 



The Hingham Temperance Society was in existence about 

 1830. May 2, 1836, the male citizens who believed in the princi- 

 ples of Total Abstinence organized themselves into the Young 

 Men's Total Abstinence Society. None of the members of the 

 original committee, who drafted its Constitution, or of its long 

 list of Vice-Presidents, are now living. March 7, 1842, the name 

 of the organization was changed to the Hingham Total Absti- 

 nence Society. 



The Cold Water Army had an organization here in 1842, and 

 in 1844 the Women's Total Abstinence Society advertised its 

 meetings. 



