1st International Congress 1889
Cologne, Germany

In 1889 the Deutsche Verein für natürliche Lebensweise (German Natural Living Society), founded in Leipzig by Eduard Baltzer in 1867 invited the two main British Vegetarian Societies and others in Germany to a Congress in Cologne, from September 11 -16. A good time was had by all, including boat trips on the Rhine for the first two days followed lectures and discussions on the remaining days. The event was very successful, with between 80-100 people at each of the lectures. As far as we know this was the first ever meeting of Vegetarian Societies from different countries, and it was agreed to arrange further international meetings

From The Vegetarian (London) :

• Pre-Congress Notices
• Report on the Congress
• 'Why am I a Vegetarian?' - the full text of Prof. Mayor's lecture was reproduced and may be added here in due course.

From The Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester):

• Pre-Congress Notices
• Report on the Congress
• International Vegetarianism - address by the President