The International Order of Good Templars (IOGT) was formed in the USA in 1851 as the ‘Independent Order of Good Templars’ to promote abstinence from alcohol, or, failing that, temperance in its consumption. The name was changed in 1906 to reflect its international growth. It modelled itself on freemasonry’s organisational structures and rituals.
The Langholm ‘Star of Eskdale’ branch was founded in April 1914 and met on Tuesday evenings in the Evangelical Union Church. It advertised that ‘anyone desiring initiation will be made cordially welcome’.
Office-bearers were elected quarterly. In early 1915, they were as listed below. The Marshal conducts ceremonies, and the Guard (or Outer Guard) and Sentinel (or Inner Guard) stand at doorways to supervise access to meetings.
| Chief Templar | Brother H[arold?] Wright |
| Vice-Templar | Sister Mrs Maggie Graham |
| Chaplain | Brother William Armstrong |
| Secretary | Brother John Warwick |
| Assistant Secretary | Brother James Armstrong |
| Financial Secretary | Brother John Robson |
| Marshal | Sister Mrs H Wright |
| Deputy Marshal | Sister Jeanie Thompson |
| Treasurer | Sister Maggie Scott |
| Guard | Sister Lizzie Jardine |
| Sentinel | Sister Nellie Little |
| Past Chief Templar | Brother Christopher Elliot |
| Lodge Deputy | Brother Edward Harkness |
Activities in 1915 included fundraisers for the purchase of new regalia and support for a temperance demonstration in Market Square.