Silver, Glasgow hallmarks for 1698-9, mark of John Luke II

Cup, silver with tall stem and broad bowl.

The shape of this Scottish Presbyterian cup is very different to that of English communion cups. The tall stem and broad bowl may have been based on the Scottish mazer design. It became a standard shape in Scottish churches. One of a pair formerly in use in Cardross Parish Church, Durnbartonshire. The Church of Scotland became Presbyterian in 1690 but it shares the nonconformist emphasis on preaching and hearing the word of God. The Glasgow Museums service owns the other cup from Cardross.

Nonconformity
In England, Christians who chose not to conform to the doctrine, organisation or ceremony of the established church became known as Nonconformists or dissenters. To avoid persecution, many went to the new colonies in North America.

In formal terms, Nonconformity began with the 1662 Act of Uniformity, which required priests to use the Book of Common Prayer and declare allegiance to Anglican bishops. Radical clergy and congregations refused to comply. Church leaders faced imprisonment, transportation or death.

By 1700, there was greater tolerance so Nonconformism became more widespread. Its organisation differed from the Anglican church. Instead of bishops, Congregationalists were governed democratically by their members, whereas Presbyterians had elected elders. Methodism, which emerged in the 1730s, established authority in a conference of church members. Although Methodists accepted many Anglican teachings, some groups such as Baptists, Presbyterians and Independents pursued a very personal approach to religion, emphasising freedom of conscience.

Practising Nonconformity
In many Nonconformist churches, preaching the word of God took precedence over formal worship. Churches were centred around charismatic preachers like John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, or the Baptist leader Charles Spurgeon. However, dissenters did celebrate communion regularly. Some, like Congregationalists, took communion seated around a table. Others stood to receive it, or remained seated while church officials (deacons) distributed the bread and wine.

Nonconformist communion plate was simple in design and often made from inexpensive materials, such as pewter, glass and ceramics. The earliest pieces date from the 1640s, and cups with two handles were a standard design.

This communion cup was used in Scottish Presbyterian worship to serve the consecrated wine. It is one of a pair, formerly in Cardross Parish Church, Dumbartonshire. The shape is very different to that of English communion cups, though it was the standard in Scottish churches. The tall stem and broad bowl may have been based on medieval drinking bowls.

The Church of Scotland became Presbyterian in 1690. Although it is the established church, it shares the Nonconformist emphasis on preaching and hearing the word of God.

M.46-1967