1848 BELHELVIE COMMUNION TOKENS Aberdeenshire, Scotland TABLES 1 THRU 4 Start Price USD 80.00 Current Price USD 80.00 Time Left - Bid Count 1 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Friday, September 05, 2008 End Time Friday, September 12, 2008 Location Hagerstown, Maryland See more about '1848 BELHELVIE COMMUNION TOKENS Aberdeenshire, Scotland' Description 1848 BELHELVIE COMMUNION TOKENS   1848 Communion Tokens {Communion Tables 1-4}BELHELVIE COMMUNION TOKENS"THIS DO IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME," reads the reverse of the round Communion token issued by the church in Belhelvie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1848. Though a part of the Church of Scotland, the Belhelvie Congregation listed only its name, "Belhelvie," and the year on the obverse of the token, besides the table number. A token issued by Belhelvie in 1848 for Tables 1-6, this collection includes tokens from the first four tables. “Let a man examine himself.” An indication of who was worthy to partake of communion was sought by John Calvin, credited with the idea of Protestant communion tokens, beginning in the 16th century. Scottish Presbyterians began to widely use the tokens in the 17th century, though they were also used by other denominations. (Tokens were also used by the Catholic church.) At first the Protestant tokens were crudely designed, being simply small shapes of metal crafted by the local blacksmith with the church elders’ approval. Thus there were slight variations in size—as well as text—among the tokens. Most, however, indicated the church’s name or location, the minister’s name, or the year that the church was founded, the year the minister arrived, or the year that the token was issued, or several of these elements. Later tokens were made with molds and had a more ornate appearance. Churches who could not afford molds used stock tokens, which indicated only such designations as “Free Church of Scotland” and could be used in a variety of places due to a lack of local significance. Blank tokens had a similar purpose. In Presbyterian churches, much was made of the observance of communion, which was an annual or semi-annual event and could last up to a few days. Members were examined for faith and Christian knowledge—Scripture memorization was a requirement—and those who passed the examination were issued their tokens, to be turned in at the Communion service to follow. Some of the tokens listed a table number at which the participant was to sit during the Communion service. How many tables were used depended on the size of the congregation. Some churches may have only had three or six, but large congregations had many more. Later years also included the use of Communion cards in place of tokens, and the use of tokens fell out of favor by the mid-20th century. A tradition was thus ended, and a new era of collection was begun. Accompanied with - Certificate of Authenticity from the Christian Heritage Museum SHIPPING: High bidder pays $5.95 shipping and secure packaging for all 50 US States and Territories. Additional overseas fee apply. Our products are securely shipped in sturdy packages via USPS. Priority mail. We accept Pay-Pal, Visa, Master Card Money Orders, Cashiers Checks, and Personal Checks (will ship after check clears). Question please call toll free 877-313-9002 or e-mail us at info@historicprints.com or info@ChristianHeritageMuseum.com   The Christian Heritage Museum, houses original historical documents, autographed letters, sermons, manuscripts & art from the great Heroes of the Faith. Featuring Reformationist, Evangelist, Hymn Writers, Missionaries & renown men and women of God. Historical Reproductions specializes in offering original and reproduced fine religious art, antiquarian books and Bibles. We are publisher of numerous religious and Americana books, with our products being distributed throughout the world. Thank you for visiting our listings! "To Preserve, Protect, Educate, Motivate, and Inspire Others to Live for Christ" Powered by eBay Turbo Lister The free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items. Place a Bid!