Entertaining with THE CHARLESTON SILVER LADY

The tankard-shaped flagon pictured was crafted circa 1850. It was handcrafted at the end of the era when silver was made by a silversmith. Handmade pieces such as this were generally the product of the generation prior to 1850.

Important pieces made for presentations, churches, or halls continued to be made with greater importance placed on their method of production.

Remember that silver is the only antimicrobial metal, so its use in public places like churches was essential to prevent the passing of disease. The large size of this flagon would have allowed communion to be available to anyone gathered to partake of it.

This flagon was recently found tucked away and forgotten in a storage area of the stone country church it first occupied many years ago. Driving up to the church down a road bed of Lexington County soil bordered by pine saplings, wild persimmons, and tall Johnson grass, the setting connects the congregation to the beauty of God’s world surrounding the place of worship. What a special place of solace this must have been for generations resting for a day of worship from the rigors of Southern farm life.

It is likely this flagon was used from the very beginning of the church’s formation and likely used until whomever was responsible for it’s implementation passed away.

What was considered by one generation became less so to another. Now that time has passed, this piece is now a valuable testament to what must have been a great sacrifice for whomever the giver may have been. Imagine the impact of this large, silver piece on a country congregation. Imagine the reverence it forged.

Valuing it today is based on several things, but mostly it is based on the fact that this piece was in place in South Carolina through the most turbulent of times. It was likely hidden at one time to keep it safe from Union soldiers. This flagon represented so much more than just it’s physical beauty. This flagon was a symbol of safe harbor during some of the most unsettled times in southern history.

Recently, it was used once again for communion by those gathered to celebrate a special Sunday.

Surrounded by another generation of the congregation, it was used in the same manner as centuries ago, weaving the past into the present and preserving our faith for what is still to come.