A Token of One’s Faith

First used in the Reformed Presbyterian faith in 1560, communion tokens served as an admission ticket to allow church members to partake in the Lord’s Supper. This practice arose from the Reformers’ view of communion as a sacred privilege, where no unworthy person, as judged by church elders, would be allowed to receive communion. Tokens were distributed by elders to those that demonstrated a strong understanding of the faith and exemplified a life consistent with Christian values. Required knowledge included the Lord’s prayer, the Apostle’s Creed, the Ten Commandments and the Westminster Catechism. On the day of communion, participants would surrender their tokens at the communion table, ensuring that only those in good standing were allowed to participate.

Tokens were typically made of copper, tin or lead. So far as is known, First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, then known as The Presbyterian Church, Charleston, SC, is the only church in America, that used tokens made of silver.  Research shows that it ordered 200 to 300 silver tokens and 500 pewter tokens in 1800 from a firm in London.  They were used until 1861 when lost during the Civil War.

The accompanying photograph shows tokens currently in First (Scots) possession. One side has a representation of the Communion table with the cup and bread tray and the words “This do in remembrance of Me,” while the other side shows the burning bush from the seal of the Church of Scotland and the Latin words “Nec tamen consumebatur” (Nevertheless it was not consumed), representing the presence of God and the indestructible nature of the true Church.

The tokens were eventually replaced by paper cards and later phased out entirely in the early 20th century.  This reflected the broader theological belief that the invitation to the communion table comes from Christ and not from vetting by a committee of elders. Regardless, these tokens remain fascinating historical artifacts.