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Value relics before they are lost

Failing to appreciate our historical objects can lead to neglect and even theft, as an exploration of church history shows.

“I am sure that as you cultivate this fascinatingly interesting field you will exclaim as we have done time and time again, ‘why, oh, why was this not done sooner’. But regrets of this sort are useless and vain unless… they stimulate us to lose no further time or opportunity.”

Quoting these prophetic words in 1926, the Christchurch Presbytery “Historical Committee”, provided the lead by asking for donations of records and relics. What relics, if any, were given we have been unable to establish.

“…we have communicated with every Presbytery and charge in the Church, and … there is considerable advance generally in safeguarding of the Church’s records and relics”

So reads the first 1928 Assembly report of the Presbyterian Church “Historical Records Committee”. Unfortunately, the appreciation and collection of relics then appears to have become secondary to paper records. Despite generally heightened awareness of fire safety and security, the whereabouts and significance of many historical objects continued to be sadly neglected.

In 1936, the most that the committee convener, the Rev D D Scott, could write on the subject was: “It is felt that some of the older Communion vessels are allowed, in certain instances to deteriorate”.

In 1946, the Committee itself purchased and restored an historic engraving of John Knox administering the first Protestant sacrament in 1547. Presumably hung in the Church office, its whereabouts is now unknown.

And what became of the Rev J D Gordon’s blood-stained “Acts of the Apostles” that the missionary had been using when martyred at Erromanga in 1872, being last mentioned in 1942?

But why should we be concerned? The significance and location of many long-forgotten, historically valuable objects has often only been discovered through chance comments found in old records. In 1962, an exhortation to parishes to “investigate the whereabouts and condition of… objects of historic interest” still fell short of actually asking for specific details.

Unfortunately, the value of some objects has led to “targeted” thefts. Known examples of great sentiment include a display collection of valuable communion tokens and the Rev Thomas Burns’ chair! Too much attention drawn to an item can also prove a distinct disadvantage.

Occasionally, significant objects of great value have subsequently come to light. A finely engraved sterling silver trowel presented to the Rev Bannerman at the laying of the Dunedin North Presbyterian Church foundation stone in 1899 later found its way to Scotland. Many years later, feeling that it was better placed in New Zealand, his family sent it back to relatives here who generously presented it to the congregation.

Too often relics have ended up in private hands through parish disinterest. This can be a disadvantage if such items are not appreciated or their historical association is subsequently forgotten.

That an attractive presentation trowel has only just been purchased by a local congregation for a significant price against “spirited” bidding shows that sheer value can now override any historical sentiments held by the owner.

We need to continually appreciate historic relics within our midst, both in regards to sentiment, value and security. All historical items, including old communion vessels, clocks, communion tokens, and presentation items, should be recorded and photographed. The Archives would gratefully receive copies of their history and photographs.

By Donald Cochrane