Summary

Australia
Rechabite Jubilee 1885 (AD)
Mint: not recorded
A mule with Henty Jubilee obverse
Other Details: IOR (Independent Order of Rechabites) is a Friendly Society which provides a range of services to its members. The IOR began in Salford, England in 1835. It was named after Rechab, a leader in the Old Testament, who instructed his tribe to refrain from drinking alcohol. During the Industrial Revolution the idea of temperance became particularly relevant as damage was caused to families by alcohol. The IOR came to Australia in the mid 1800s and became established first in Tasmania. In 1847 it was established in Victoria, then spread to other States. Members of the IOR were provided assistance during times of sickness, death and hardship. In 1991, IOR Victoria combined with the other states to form a National Health Fund. Today members wishing to join IOR's Health Fund are no longer required to sign a pledge of abstinence from alcohol. IOR still provides members a wide range of benefits. It is registered to operate as a Health Fund in all States and has offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. The principles which drew the early Rechabites together in times of illness have evolved into a modern and successful Health Benefits Organisation.

Obverse Description

Bust of Edward Henty facing 3/4 left within trefoil formrd by ornate surround

Reverse Description

On shield shape surrounded by raised checker field: * / RECHABITE / JUBILEE / 1885 / *

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

IOR (Independent Order of Rechabites) is a Friendly Society which provides a range of services to its members. The IOR began in Salford, England in 1835. It was named after Rechab, a leader in the Old Testament, who instructed his tribe to refrain from drinking alcohol. During the Industrial Revolution the idea of temperance became particularly relevant as damage was caused to families by alcohol.

The IOR came to Australia in the mid 1800s and became established first in Tasmania. In 1847 it was established in Victoria, then spread to other States. Members of the IOR were provided assistance during times of sickness, death and hardship.

In 1991, IOR Victoria combined with the other states to form a National Health Fund. Today members wishing to join IOR's Health Fund are no longer required to sign a pledge of abstinence from alcohol. IOR still provides members a wide range of benefits. It is registered to operate as a Health Fund in all States and has offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

The principles which drew the early Rechabites together in times of illness have evolved into a modern and successful Health Benefits Organisation. -IOR web site http://www.ior.org.au/about_ior.asp#HISTORY. -D. Tout-Smith 17/11/2003.

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