Summary

General-purpose gilt medal issued about 1885 by the Australian Abstinence movement. It includes the Lord's Prayer and an abstinence pledge. It is pierced at the top for hanging, possibly as a pendant. It was minted by Stokes & Martin.

In the later 19th century, in response to substantial public drunkenness (the Victorian consumption of beer and spirits was much higher than it is today) respectable men and women joined temperance associations and encouraged clubs for children where the messages of temperance and self-control were promoted. Temperance associations included the Order of the Sons of Temperance, the International Order of Good Templars and the Band of Hope. They promoted 'total abstinence', opposed the extension of hotel licences, and educated children and adults about the dangers of alcohol. Temperance rallies with men and women speakers attracted huge crowds to the Melbourne Town Hall and St Patrick's Cathedral. Some churchmen and women were uneasy with the emphasis on temperance, but the newly formed Salvation Army was among religious groups which targeted drunkenness.

Physical Description

A gilt medal (19 mm diameter and holed to be worn) stating that the wearer promises to abstain and featuring the Lord's Prayer. Obverse shows two clasped hands; reverse is an inscription of the Lord's Prayer.

Obverse Description

Beneath two clasped hands, I PROMISE / NOT TO USE ANY / INTOXICATING / LIQUORS AS A / BEVERAGE / ***

Reverse Description

OUR / FATHER / WHO ART IN HEAVEN / HALLOWED BE THY NAME / THY KINGDOM COME / THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH / AS IT IS IN HEAVEN / GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD / FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES / AS WE FORGIVE THEM / THAT TRESPASS AGAINST US / LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION / BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL / FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM / THE POWER / & THE GLORY FOR / EVER & EVER / AMEN

Edge Description

Plain

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