THE FIRST TEMPERANCE HALL IN THE WORLD.
The city of Bradford claims to possess the first Temperance Hall in the world. The foundation stone was laid on Monday, March 13th, 1837, and the building was opened on February 27th, 1838, by the Bishop of Ripon, Dr. Longley (who in succession became Bishop of Durham, Archbishop of York, and Archbishop of Canterbury). This famous building is still in regular use, the Bradford Temperance Society being one of the most vigorous associations in the country. A unique feature of the hall is a very handsome painted window in memory of the late John Priestman. It is a four-light window, and contains four female figures robed in mediæval costumes, and representing "Religion," "Temperance," "Health," and "Prosperity." Above the central light is an effective portrait of Mr. Priestman. Mr. George Field in his interesting "Historical Survey of the Bradford Temperance Society," says:—
"The hall of this, the first temperance society in England, has been a battle-field for many conflicts with drink, and some of the greatest orators have made its walls re-echo with their oratory. It has had amongst its friends and workers some of the best men and women of Bradford. By its agency many a degraded sot has been rescued and restored to respectability in society, but while the curse of drink remains the work will have to go on."
