The first meeting of the Killybegs Church Temperance and Christian Association was held at Largy in February 1886.

The Rector of Killybegs, the Rev John G. Ball, took the chair, but nothing is known about that first meeting. A year later, on 9^th February 1887, the annual meeting was held in the Murray Lodge schoolhouse on the Donegal Road.   The room was decorated for the occasion with flags, evergreens, and mottoes by the Coastguard Station officer, Mr Bailie.  The decorations in use were the Coastguard signal flags.   There was such a crowd that many had to stand outside the building.  The Rev Ball was absent from this meeting due to his advanced age and infirmity.  [He was 87 then]. The annual report was read by Thomas C. Hope, the manager of the Ulster Bank.  He said that, at the first meeting, 26 people had enrolled in the Association, and since that time they now had 120 members.

Very successful meetings had been held in Largy, Roshin, Aughayevoge, and Carricknamohill during the year. It was remarked that the Association was formed in the districts near Killybegs, but not in the [town], ‘for no house was available’.

The Rev W. Hunt, Killymard then gave a lecture on The Drunkard’s Home, illustrated with magic lantern views.  The remainder of the pleasant entertainment consisted of songs by Miss Ball, Miss Hope, Mrs Chapman, and Miss Chapman. The meeting closed after a hymn with the benediction.

A year later the Association was known as The Killybegs Church of Ireland Temperance Society. They held their next meeting on Friday 2^nd March 1888, in Largy, but the location is not stated.

“Shortly after five o’clock tea was dispensed. The meeting was open to the members and friends without any charge, owing to the kindness of Arthur Brooke of the White House, Killybegs.  A nicely-arranged programme was then gone through.  Song, No Drink Like Tea was sung by Mrs Chapman and Miss Hope.  The hon. secretary (J. C. Hope) read the report, which was moved by Blain Watson, and seconded by Thomas Gartley, and showed that during the past year no less than seven members had left this country for America, and six to other parts, yet still the society was progressing in all the districts of the parish.  The appointment of officers and committee for the ensuing year was moved by A. Watson, and seconded by J. Watson, Jun.  The chairman, Rev A. Chapman, addressed those present on the evils of intemperance.  The song, Touch not the Cup was then sung.  I’m such a very nice little Girl was recited by Miss Lily Chapman, a girl of five years.  Some amusing readings were given by J. C. Hope, after which Miss Hope and Mrs Chapman sang When ye gang awa’ Jamie, which was warmly applauded.  A very touching story, illustrating the difference between the home of the drunkard and of the sober man, was read by the chairman. Trust in God and do the Right, being sung, Thomas Porter, Dunkineely, gave a very able and suitable address, which was listened to with rapt attention.  Songs were then contributed by Mrs Chapman and Mr and Miss Hope, which received warm applause.  Medals were awarded to those who had helped at the monthly meetings during the year. A vote of thanks having been moved by Mr Porter, and seconded by Mr Gartley, to the friends who assisted in the entertainment and also to Mr and Mrs James Watson for the kindness in placing their house at the disposal of the society, the proceedings were brought to a conclusion by singing Where are the Reapers, and the benediction”.