Temperance Movement Fractures in Seattle
A bitter internal dispute within the Independent Order of Good Templars leads to a secession and the formation of a new division of the Sons of Temperance.
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A dispute in the local organization of the Independent Order of Good Templars regarding the formation of a new district culminated last night in the organization of a division of the Sons of Temperance. This action is expected to result in the defection of a large number of Good Templars. The trouble began when differences in the order caused nine lodges in King County to petition for a separate district. The Grand Lodge granted this, but the subsequent creation of a competing district with concurrent jurisdiction led to deep resentment. John Bushell, a local leader, denounced the Grand Lodge, leading to the revocation of his district's charter. In response, members formed the 'Queen City Division, No. 1' of the Sons of Temperance at the Burke block.
“The Good Templars split off from the Sons of Temperance on the question of admitting women to membership.”
This reflects the volatile nature of 19th-century fraternal organizations, which acted as both social safety nets and moral arbiters. Today, while formal temperance societies have faded, the tendency for civic organizations to fracture over leadership disputes and jurisdictional power remains a staple of community politics.
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