Bottoms Up, Scotch Ridge!

At first glance, this artifact might look like a beer stein, but it was actually used for church services in Wood County... Read on for more "juicy" info!

What is this thing?

This is one of the oldest artifacts (1753 A.D.) at the Wood County Historical Center! It is the Scotch Ridge Christian Communion Tankard, part of a set with two pewter cups.

What is this object made of?

Cast Pewter, recently refurbished from tarnished black to gleaming metal. It is approximately 13in. tall. An inscription appears on one side listing the date of 1753 and dedicating the vessel to “the first Church of Christ in Lebanon” (see below for more on Lebanon).

How was the Tankard used?

The tankard was used as a wine pitcher (but likely held grape juice) during Sunday services at the first Church of Christ in Scotch Ridge (see log cabin on right). The pitcher held the juice until communion, when it was divided into the women’s and the men’s cups for the churchgoers to drink from.

Where did the pitcher come from?

According to Scottish experts, this style of vessel was produced in Germany, and then imported into Scotland. It was likely presented to a Scottish missionary bound to convert Muslims in the Mediterranean country of Lebanon. Once the tankard returned to Scotland, it was passed on to John Muir by his church for use at his Christian house of worship in America.

John-Muir-who? Why it’s important in Wood County History…

John Muir was a prominent man during the settlement of Scotch Ridge in Wood County, Ohio. He arrived in 1834 with his wife Mary, as the first Scots to settle in Wood County. (See Muir Code of Arms on left). He had been an elder in his Scotland church, and continued to officiate funerals and lead religious services in his own home before any ordained ministers settled in Scotch Ridge. His services were so well attended, he built a small log church which remained the only church in Scotch Ridge between 1842-1862. It was in this log church that the Communion Tankard was used. This pewter pitcher represents the Scottish heritage in Wood County.

Other Fascinating Facts:

+ Churchgoers who wanted to participate in communion on Sunday had to earn a token by attending service on Saturday as well. As the Scottish tradition dictated, the token was presented on Sunday in exchange for communion.

+ Mary Muir, John’s wife always baked the communion bread, which is said to have been “cake-like,” and prepared the grape juice for church services.

+ The women would carry their shoes and stockings while walking barefoot to the log church. Once outside the church, they would lean against trees to cover their feet and legs for the service. The men usually attended church services with bare feet.

+ The Communion Tankard is currently on display in "the Dining Room" at the Wood County Historical Center- Check it out!


Resources used for this entry include:
Shaw, Charlotte Dunipace. Geneology of the Muir Family 1777-1977. Muir Graphics: Toledo, OH. 1977.
Shaw, Charlotte Dunipace. The Scotch and Scotch Ridge. Closson Press: Apollo, PA. 1999.