Skip to main content
'Original Secession' Communion Cup by Middleton Rettie and Sons
'Original Secession' Communion Cup
'Original Secession' Communion Cup by Middleton Rettie and Sons
'Original Secession' Communion Cup by Middleton Rettie and Sons

'Original Secession' Communion Cup

Silversmith (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1824 - 1892)
Date1887
Object NameCommunion Cup
Mediumsilver (plated)
ClassificationsApplied Art
Dimensions24 × 12cm
AcquisitionPurchased in 2013.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG011454
About MeIn the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries the Church suffered major internal disruption and schism which led to the formation of new Scottish churches.

In 1732, some who objected to ministers being appointed by patrons rather than by congregations broke away to form the Original Secession Church. This ultimately became a four-way split as members disagreed over such matters as the taking of oaths and whether secular magistrates could have any say in the affairs of the church.

In 1761 further disputes about patronage led to the formation of the Relief Church. In 1847 these two groups came together to form the United Presbyterian Church.