Independent Order of Rechabites

Identity Statement

Reference code(s)	: GB 0096 MS1158
Held at	: Senate House Library, University of London   Click here to find out how to view this collection at http://www.senatehouselibrary.ac.uk/our-collections ›
Full title	: Independent Order of Rechabites
Date(s)	: 1836-1998
Level of description	: Fonds
Extent	: 234 boxes
Name of creator(s)	: Independent Order of Rechabites
Detailed catalogue	: Click here to view repository detailed catalogue

Context

Administrative/Biographical history:

The Independent Order of Rechabites was a friendly society, which was founded in Salford 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, Australia, the United States and India. Branches were known as "tents" and 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. The Order is now known as Healthy Investment. Until July 2003, membership of the Society was exclusively for teetotallers but members may now join if they have a healthy lifestyle.

Content

Scope and content/abstract:

Board minutes, 1864-1975; minutes of districts and tents; Rechabite Magazine, 1864-1873, 1878-1925, 1927-1977; Juvenile / Junior Rechabite magazine, 1890-1925, 1927-1977; conference reports and papers, 1839-1998; directories, 1887-1916; temperance song books, ritual books, tent books, case files.

Access & Use

Language/scripts of material:

English, Welsh

System of arrangement:

Box listed to file level.

Conditions governing access:

Open for research although restrictions might be imposed under the Freedom of Information Act or the Data Protection Act. Orders must be placed at least 72 hours in advance.

Conditions governing reproduction:

Copies may be made, subject to the condition of the original and to the provisions of copyright law. Copying must be undertaken by the Palaeography Room staff, who will need a minimum of 24 hours to process requests.

Finding aids:

Box list is available on-line.

Archival Information

Archival history:

Transferred to Senate House Library from Healthy Investment, January 2008.

Immediate source of acquisition:

Healthy Investment

Allied Materials

Related material:

Publication note:

Description Notes

Archivist's note:

Rules or conventions:

Date(s) of descriptions:

12/3/2009