Individual Communion Cups - Ashwell United Reformed Church

zoom

Communion cups

Jackie Embury

Deacon’s Meeting – January 29th 1908 (First mention of individual communion cups)

A discussion took place as to the advisability of adopting the system of individual communion cups.  This also was referred to the Church Meeting.

C C Edwards – Chairman

Church Meeting – January 29th 1908

The subject of introducing the system of individual communion cups was brought forward.  After some discussion the Pastor was asked to get particulars, prices etc for the next Church Meeting .  It was proposed to send a letter signed by the Pastor and Deacons to some Members impressing on them the desirability of attending the Church Meeting.

C C Edwards – Chairman.

Deacon’s Meeting – February 26th 1908

The minutes of the last Deacon’s Meeting were read and approved.  The Pastor had some price lists and particulars of the system of individual communion cups which were passed round.

Church Meeting – February 26th 1908

The minutes of the previous Church Meeting were read and approved.  The Pastor read some extracts from the writings of scientific view and others supporting the system of individual cups at the communion service.  After some expression of opinions it was decided to further discuss and if possible settle the matter at the next Church Meeting .

C C Edwards – Chairman

Church Meeting – March 1909

The minutes of the last Church Meeting were read and passed.  The question of introducing the system of individual communion cups was again raised.  Owing to the small attendance it was decided to hold a special Church Meeting on March 10th and then decide the matter.

C C Edwards – Chairman

Special Church Meeting – March 10th 1909  (Decision made to procure two trays and individual communion cups)

After some discussion and expression of opinions, Mrs Westrope proposed that the system of individual communion cups be adopted and that two trays of 24 cups each be procured.  This was seconded by Mr W Bray and carried unanimously.

C C Edwards – Chairman

Annual Church Meeting – January 5th 1910  (C C Edwards – Pastor’s resignation announcement) (Communion cups given by the Ladies Sewing Meeting)

The Secretary was instructed to write a letter of thanks to the Ladies Sewing Meeting for the gift of the handsome set of individual communion cups now in use in the Church.

The Pastor at the close of an excellent address stated that after 17 years service to the Church and 35 years of public ministry owing to declining years and failing health he had decided to resign the pastorate in May next 1910.

C C Edwards – Chairman

It took over 14 months to make this decision and two years to implement it, however the original trays and cups are still in use today over 100 years since that momentus decision was made.