The Temperance movement was strong in the late 1800’s, often helped by Quaker mine owners such as Pease who preferred their employees to be here instead of drinking themselves silly in the local pubs.

The dedication stone is very worn, but I interpret it as :-

Laid by W Lapsley Marske
On behalf of Plant of Renown Lodge
I.O.G.T. June 11 1877

William Lapsley is listed on 1881 census in Zetland Terrace in Marske as a ‘Temperance Missionary’ and he has links to the Pease family.

I.O.G.T stands for International Organisation of Good Templars who would have been active in the Temperance movement at this time.

“Plant of Renown”  is the name given to this Loftus Lodge, which comes from Ezekiel 34:29 – ‘And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more.’

Other local lodges were “Charltons Excelsior” at Margrove Park, “Hope of Lingdale”, “Star of Brotton” “Dawn of Peace” and “Star of Hope”