Two handled cup, pressed glass, England, 1850-90

Two handled clear glass cup with straight fluted sides and ear shaped handles.

Lent by the Museum of Methodism and John Wesley's House

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 two-handled cup was probably used for water or tea at a Methodist ‘Love Feast’, in which people shared a meal and then related their spiritual experiences. The Love Feast was an early Christian tradition, known as ‘agape’. It fell into decline but was revived in the 1730s by the Moravians (a Lutheran sect). John Wesley introduced it in Britain shortly afterwards, having encountered it in the Moravian church in America.

LOAN:WESLEY CHAPEL.1-2004