Summary

Certificate from the Victorian branch of the Independent Order of Rechabites (IOR), the International Temperance Brotherhood. Signed by Jack Bradshaw on February 8 1910.

The Independent Order of Rechabites is a friendly society, which was founded in Salford, England in 1835. The Order was part of the temperance movement. The name of the Order was inspired by the Rechabites, who feature in the 35th Chapter of Jeremiah. The founders of the Order were concerned that many friendly societies met in public houses and their members were therefore vulnerable to the temptations of alcohol. The Order spread around the world. There were branches in New Zealand, the United States and India, with some still existing in Australia today. Branches are known as 'tents', presided over by High Chief Rulers, who were assisted by Inside and Outside Guardians, a Levite of the Tent and a group of Elders. Before joining the Order, a prospective member had to sign a pledge that they and their family would abstain from alcohol.

Physical Description

Rectangular certificate printed in coloured ink on white card. The initials of the society are printed within three gold shields along the upper edge, with a blue scroll and title of the movement below. An emblem and motto features in the lower left corner, comprising two female classical figures standing on either side of a shield with the name of the society printed underneath in a scroll. The written part of the certificate is located on the right side, printed in brown cursive script with the name of the member, the signature of the witness and date handwritten in black ink. The certificate is decorated with a floral design. Information about the society is printed on the reverse in black ink. Some foxing.

More Information