Pewter chalice, part of the Warwick Congregation's (now known as the Brickerville United Lutheran Church) communion service.
High straight-sided flaring cup on a stem wih knop created by joining two pewter salt stems. A tankard lid is used for the base. Both the knop and edge of base are beaded. Attributed to William Will (working 1764-1798) .
Engraved on the side of the cup are the initials "HIA/ MWM" within a decorative wreath with bow. Engraved on the bottom of the base is "1799", likely indicating the year the chalice was presented to the church for ceremonial use. Segments of wrigglework are also found nearby.
Provenance
The engraved date of 1799 likely signifies the year the chalice was presented to the church. The two sets of initials on the cup are certainly the individuals who presented it. The entire communion service remained in use over the years until the congregation decided in 1997 to find a safe place for this valuable communion set. Purchased by the Heritage Center of Lancaster County
Pennsylvania Coat of Arms once hung over the judge's bench at the old Lancaster county courthouse (1786-1853). Lancaster served as the capitol of of the Commonwealth of PA from 1799 to 1812. Made of oak,
Piece of Donegal Witness Tree.(Cross-sectional slice of branch with bark on one portion.)
Note: This is apparently different than a "section of wood from the Witness Tree at Donegal church. Donated by Mrs. M.N. Robinson. Noted in minutes in Journal of 1 June 1906.
