Communion Tokens

A communion token is a metal token issued to members of Presbyterian churches in order to provide them entrance to the Lord’s supper. There were many types issued in Scotland in the 18th and 19th centuries but they were largely superseded by communion cards.

Communion tokens were first suggested in 1560 by John Calvin and Pierre Viret in Geneva. By 1586 tokens were in use in Amsterdam. However most were issued in Scotland, where over 5000 types have been recorded.

Members were ‘examined' by the minister or an elder one or two Sundays prior to the Sacrament to ensure that they understood their religion and led good lives. Testing included repeating the Shorter Catechism, Bible knowledge, the Lord’s Prayer etc. If found worthy the person would be given a token which admitted them to the Sacrament and which would be collected in at the start of the Service.

Tokens were made of various metals, often lead or pewter. Early examples are very simple, but later ones would often have a bible verse and an engraving of the burning bush, a church and such like.

Buy Cruden Communion Tokens

Cruden Parish Church still has a large quantity of communion tokens and is currently selling them to raise funds for a project to replace the windows in the church.

If you would like to own a set of the 4 Cruden Communion tokens these can be purchased from the church for £28.

If you would like just one of the tokens, they cost £7 each.

For more information or to buy tokens:

E-mail:session.clerk@crudenchurch.org.uk

1737

A very early example dating from 1737. It is very worn and difficult to make out but seems to read :

C R U
D A N
1737

The reverse is blank

1800

Somewhat later, but still over 200 years old, this example is still quite legible. Already it is a little more elaborate with a border and the parish name in a more recognisable spelling.

The reverse is blank.