IOGT Columbia No. 1

The Independent Order of Good Templars was set up in America in 1851, under a different name. In 1868 Joseph Malins, a painter and decorator from Birmingham who had emigrated with his wife to the USA for the good of her health, returned to this country with permission to set up the Order here.

The first Lodge was instituted on 8th September 1868 at Morton's Chapel, Cregoe Street, Birmingham. This was known as Columbia Number 1, and is still in existence.

The Order spread throughout the country and in 1870 the first Grand Lodge was formed. Gradually the number of Lodges increased until there were hundreds, with thousands of members in total.

From this country the Order then spread to the rest of the world. The name was eventually changed to International Organization of Good Templars.

Now the International Organisation is active in over forty countries, and organises camps, seminars and other activities.