Records of the International Order of Good Templars: Grand Lodge of Scotland, temperance organisation, Glasgow, Scotland

Scope and Content

  • Register of lodges in Scotland, 19th & 20th centuries;
  • Register of District Halls, c1869;
  • Posters, early 20th century;
  • Publications, 1998-2002.

Administrative / Biographical History

The Independent Order of Good Templars (IOGT) was founded in New York, USA, in 1851 and originated from the Order of the Sons of Temperance. Scotland's first lodge was established in Glasgow at a meeting of the United Working Men's Total Abstinence Society in August 1869. The organisation proved extremely popular in Scotland because of its uncompromisingly prohibitionist aims, its admission of women on a equal footing to men and its extensive provisions for juvenile lodges and education. It spread rapidly throughout Scotland and reported a membership of more than 83,000 by 1876.

The IOGT was affiliated with the London-based National Temperance Federation, as was the Scottish Temperance League.

Many Scots held influential offices in the International Parliament of the Order with many holding international offices. The "International Good Templar" quarterly magazine was edited and published in Glasgow under the International Secretary, Tom Honeyman (1858-1934), for over 20 years.

In 1906, the Order changed its name to the International Order of Good Templars with the Scottish branch becoming known as the International Order of Good Templars: Grand Lodge of Scotland, but in later years the colourful ceremonies and distinctive regalia were abandoned.

As of 2003, IOGT is now known as the International Organization of Good Templars. The Order holds an international congress every 4 years and still maintains an office in Glasgow. More information can be found on their website at http://www.iogt.org/

Arrangement

The arrangement of this material reflects the original order in which it was received

Access Information

Access to records within this collection is open, however an appointment may be required. Please email Archives and Special Collections for advice: library-asc@glasgow.ac.uk

Acquisition Information

Deposit : Scottish Temperance Alliance : 1975

Other Finding Aids

See also University of Glasgow Collections

Digital file level list available in searchroom

Manual file level list available at the National Registers of Archives in Edinburgh (NRA(S) 2804) and London (NRA 30487)

Alternative Form Available

No known copies

Conditions Governing Use

Reproduction subject to usual conditions: educational use and condition of documents. Applications for permission to quote should be sent to Archives and Special Collections, please email: library-asc@glasgow.ac.uk

Appraisal Information

This material has been appraised in line with standard GB 248 procedures

Custodial History

Held by the Scottish Temperance Alliance prior to deposit with Glasgow University Archives. Previously catalogued as part of the Scottish Temperance Alliance Archive (DC19), the collection was re-catalogued in March 2003.

Accruals

None expected

Related Material

GB 248 DC 19/1 Records of the Scottish Temperance League; GB 248 DC 19/2 Records of the Scottish Permissive Bill & Temperance Association; GB 248 DC 19/3 Records of the Scottish Temperance & No Licence Union; GB 248 DC 19/4 Records of the Scottish Temperance Alliance; GB 248 DC 19/5 Records of the Glasgow & District Municipal Federation; GB 248 DC 19/6 Records of the Citizens Vigilance Association; GB 248 DC 19/7 Records of the National Citizens Council; GB 583 Records of British Women's Temperance Association (Scottish Christian Union) (Huntly House Museum, Edinburgh); GB 233 Minute Book of the Scottish Permissive Bill & Temperance Association Ladies' Auxiliary 1894-1902.

Location of Originals

This material is original

Geographical Names