298 History of Hingham. 



In Apil, 1852, Corner Stone Division of the Sons of Tem- 

 perance was formed, but after an existence of about fifteen years 

 it surrendered its charter. 



In 1868 there was a Lodge of the Independent Order of Good 

 Templars instituted in Hingham, which existed for a few years 

 only, but another charter was granted to the " Corner-Stone " 

 Lodge already mentioned. 



In the winter of 1875-76 a great amount of Temperance work 

 was done here, and many who had been habitual drinkers signed 

 the pledge. Meetings were held in all sections of the town, and 

 March 27, 1876, the Hingham Centennial Reform Club was or- 

 ganized, which has held regular meetings to the present time 

 (1893). 



May 24, 1876, through the efforts of this Reform Club, the 

 Women's Christian Temperance Union was organized. 



CLUB OF GENEROUS UNDERTAKERS. 



Among the papers of Dr. Joshua Barker, of Hingham, there is 

 a manuscript entitled " Proceedings of the Club," containing 

 " The Laws, Votes, and Orders of the Club of Generous Under- 

 takers," which was founded Aug. 20, 1772. 



preamble. 



As a Cultivation of the Faculties wherewith we are vested by 

 the Supreme Author of our Nature is not only commendable but 

 highly incumbent ; and as Improvements in the Art of Speaking 

 hold the first Place in the Catalogue of Acquisitions, we the Sub- 

 scribers, fir'd with a noble Desire of rendering Ourselves suitable 

 Members of Society, and of more extensive Use to Mankind, 

 chearfully engage to form a Society by the Name of the Club of 

 Generous Undertakers, to meet statedly for the Purpose of Im- 

 provement in the Art of Speaking, and promise to subject our- 

 selves to the following Laws. 



Joseph Loring. Joshua Barker, Jr. 



Jotham Loring. Jos. Lewis. 



Samuel Thaxter. Martin Leavett. 



Francis Barker, Jun. John Thaxter. 



Josiah Leavitt. Tho. Loring. 

 John Sowden Cole. 



Several meetings were held, and the members spoke original or 

 selected pieces. The last minutes of proceedings are recorded in 

 February, 1773. 



