Article on a temperance-based sermon delivered by Rev. Joseph Young, pastor of the Bradford Methodist Church. On December 4, 1902, the Ontario Liquor Act referendum would be voted on by the public to decide whether the government should usher in an era of prohibition. Bradford, a town heavy with taverns and inns, had churches and the newspaper promoting the vote for prohibition. After the vote on December 4, West Gwillimbury had a majority for prohibition, though it did not pass. There was a low voter turnout, and despite the majority everywhere, it could not pass. See the Related Description articles for more information on Bradford's perspective.

This portrait is of Egerton R. Young, minister of the Methodist Church, missionary, and author. He lived in the Algonquin Lodge, later known as the Convent.