SACRAMENT AT CONFERENCE ~~~ by James L. Jacobs

This goblet comes from

a set donated to the 

Mt. Pleasant Relic Home.

It could have been the 

one James Jacobs used 

back in the 1920s. 

 SACRAMENT AT CONFERENCE James L. Jacobs    

North Sanpete LDS quarterly conference in the early 1900's was a time of gathering of all faithful church members. But, unlike conferences of today, holy sacrament was shared by all members present. The officiators at the sacrament table were usually older men who ceremoniously raised their right arm to the square while pronouncing the sacrament blessings. Some of them raised both arms while giving the prayers.

 There was no problem with the bread. It was prepared on large china plates equipped with high arched handles made of heavy twisted wire and served to the congregation. But the water was another matter. It was served in goblets, which were passed from person to person so each could take a small sip and pass it on to his neighbor to do likewise. Pitchers of water were available to replenish the supply when it ran low.

 Most of the people were accustomed to drinking the sacrament water from a common container, so they sipped and passed the goblet on with no apparent concern. Others, primarily some of the younger ladies, did not enjoy drinking from the same container everyone else used. This was especially noticeable when they followed some of the fullbearded old men, or those with whom they were not particularly friendly. 

It was interesting to watch people as the water goblets were passed to them. Some would carefully turn the goblet so they could drink right over the handle. Others placed their hands on each side of the goblet and tipped it up, but did not actually touch their lips to it. Still others sipped obediently, then wiped their lips vigorously with handkerchiefs to remove any trace that might have been picked up from previous drinkers. Many people were relieved when partaking of the sacrament was discontinued. 

 Source: Recollections of the author