Two Communion tokens from the Free Church of Scotland
Two small, oval, lead tokens stamped with “Tiree Free Church” on one side and “Do this in rememberance of me” on the other, belonging to Lachlan and Joanne MacLean, Druimfraoich. Possession of a Communion Token authorised the bearer to take part in Holy Communion. They were widely used in Scotland from the time of the Reformation until the middle of the 19th (20th?) century.
In the weeks before the celebration of Communion the church`s elders (or a Catechist) would visit each member and examine his or her knowledge of the faith and purity of life. Those who met with the elders` approval were given a small lead token, which permitted them to receive Communion. This was to prevent exposing the Lord’s Table ‘to profanation by immoral and unfaithful people`. This example is from the Free Church of Scotland and was manufactured some time after 1843.
Information about the Free Church of Scotland Communion Tokens
Printed email from Gordon Scott to An Iodhlann with information about the two Free Church of Scotland Communion Tokens (2013.54.1) donated by Flora MacLean, Druimfroaich in 2013.
Small cardboard box of L&C Hardtmuth`s “Koh-i-noor” assorted rubber bands from Colin MacPhail`s byre in Crossapol. Contains eight rubber bands of various sizes (now brittle) and the nib from a fountain pen.
Booklet describing the importance of horses and horse-breeding, particularly before WWII. Researched by Dr John Holliday for a summer exhibition at An Iodhlann.
Booklet about the history of agriculture on Tiree, with reference to livestock, sales, cattle shows, vets, animal health, butchers, hens, potatoes, bulbs, seaweed and Gaelic words. Researched by Dr John Holliday for a summer exhibition at An Iodhlann.
Booklet `Sìl an Eòrna – Children of the Barley` 2006
Booklet about the circumstances and fates of people who left Tiree en masse, sailing to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Patagonia and USA during the mid 1800s to early 1900s. Researched by Dr John Holliday for a summer exhibition at An Iodhlann.
Booklet about the archaeology of Tiree from middens and standing stones, to religions and lifestyle. Researched by Dr John Holliday for a summer exhibition at An Iodhlann.
Booklet about corn production on Tiree, cereal types, sowing, harvesting, storing and traditions associated with the harvest. Researched by Dr John Holliday for a summer exhibition at An Iodhlann.
