the I.O.G.T. is the International Organisation of Good Templars, one of a number of fraternal organizations for temperance or total abstinence founded in the 19th century and with a structure modeled on Freemasonry, using similar ritual and regalia. Unlike many, however, it admitted men and women equally, and also made no distinction by race

The Order first grew rapidly in the United States and in Canada.
In 1868, Joseph Malins returned to his native England and established a Birmingham lodge, from which IOGT spread to Europe and the rest of the world. Within three years the Order spread to Ireland, Wales, Australia, Malta, New Zealand, France, Portugal, South Africa, Bermuda, Belgium and East India.
By 1876, it had established itself in Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Madras, British Honduras, British Guyana, Jamaica, Malacca, China, Japan, Sierra Leone, St. Helena, Argentina, Trinidad, Grenada and the Bahamas. This was followed by lodges in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, Germany and Jerusalem
From 1900 and onwards, further groups were set up in the Netherlands, Burma, Nigeria and Panama.


HISTORY of IOGT


From the WAIKATO TIMES 27 February 1886 - taken from Papers Past

The quarterly installation of officers of the General Gordon Lodge I.O.G.T., Cambridge, was held last Monday.. The following officers were duly installed by Bro R. J. PARRY:

W.C.T., Bro W. S. STEWART (Worthy Chief Templar)
P.W.C.T., Bro Rev. W. EVANS (Past Worthy Chief Templar)
L.D., Bro J. CHAMBERS
W.Sec., Bro W.PALTRIDGE
W.A.S., Bro W.BUTLER
W.C., Sister RILEY
W.M., Bro James RILEY
W.D.M., Sister SUTHERLNAD (Worthy Deputy Marshall)
W.V.T., Bro J. HICHENS (Worthy Vice Templar)
W.F.S., Sister PEARCE
W.T., Bro R. WRIGHT

It is the intention of the Lodge to hold a grand concert and entertainment shortly