Every day thousands pass by the Temperance Hall on North Shore, Hamilton Parish without recognising the significant contribution the building has made to the community.

Next month Temperance Hall, as well as the Hamilton Parish Temperance Friendly Society which owns the building, will celebrate their 150th anniversary, having served the parish and Bermuda since September, 1852.

The Society, which celebrates 150 years on September 1, is a descendent of the Friendly Societies movement in Bermuda which began in the 19th century. The movement saw a great number of Bermudians, in particular those of African ancestry, forming societies and lodges with the goal of promoting social, financial and community growth activities. These included the assistance and relief of sick members, education, religion and spiritual growth.

The Hamilton Parish Temperance Society is one of the earliest of these societies and began in the early 1850's when a group of men who had a conviction to Christian principles and lifestyle decided to raise funds to build a schoolroom in Shelly Bay.

On September 13, 1857, after the schoolroom was dedicated in an extravagant ceremony which included a church service, the first classes started, with financial assistance from the Society. Another church service is planned for September to mark the historic milestone.

The first classes taught 129 childrens as the descendants of slaves received an education. Slavery was abolished in 1834.

The teachers included John G. Allen, Ellie Burrows, Rosalind Robinson, Ottiwell Burch Sr., Inez Kennedy and Doris Francis and over the years some of the most prominent members of the community were educated at the school.

The building was previously used by Government as Temperance Hall School.

“I had my early education here, too, under Rosalind Robinson when she was the principal,” recalled Boyd Smith, president of the Friendly Society since 1986.

“You would be surprised at the number of people in the community who started their education in this building. The Society has played an important part in the development of the community.”

Over the years the Society has assisted the Hamilton Parish community by allowing the building to be used as a concert hall, school, church and a general meeting place. Since 1978, Gospel Tabernacle Church has been using the building for their services and have worked closely with the trustees to continue the maintenance of the building which is also used as a summer day camp facility.

“It is, as far as we know, still the oldest building owned by a Friendly Society,” said public relations officer, Shane Kelly.

Mr. Smith made the distinction between the Friendly Society and the Lodges.

“The Oddfellows Lodges come under the Friendly Society, not the Freemasons,” he explained.

“In this Friendly Society we have 11 Trustees, all descendants from the original Trustees - John William Foggo, John Arthur Robert, Thomas Smith, Jane Ann Foggo, Benjamin Hill Sr, George Burgess, Daniel Bascome, Richard Burrows and Benjamin Hill Jr - who date back to 1852.

“The objects of our society is to promote temperance of the use of intoxicating beverages and to discourage the use of all illegal drugs, to encourage moral and religious education according to the principles of the Christian religion amongst the children in the parish; to promote general welfare programmes amongst the elderly in the parish and to hold such property and make any investments as the Society may deem necessary.”

Added Mr. Kelly: “You can see over the years the help that we have given, whether it be education or to rent the building which is always at a discount and fits right in with the objects.

“Even now it is not to make a lot of money off the rent, but to keep the building up and help whatever institution needs it.”

The president revealed that the Society has plans to do some renovation work on the building.

“But because the building has been put on the historical building list, we have to make our alterations and plans within those guidelines in order to preserve the historical architecture of the building,” said Mr. Smith.

“We have some plans drawn up to improve the facilities, particularly the kitchen and bathroom.”

The Temperance Hall Friendly Society remains very active in the community, with descendants of the original trustees still engaged in community development, including an annual visit and gift giving to the seniors in the parish. Further community outreach projects include an educational assistance programme for eligible youths.

In the future the trustees look forward to a continued relationship with community organisations that uphold the respected values of Bermuda.

Chairmen of the Society since 1891 are: George Trott (1981-1904), Thomas Furbert (1904-1908), Rev. L.L. Havard (1908-1912), Ernest F. Furbert (1912-1942). They were followed by Cyril W. Burgess, Charles Steede, Hewett Smith and Boyd E. Smith, the present chairman.