Nothing is known of its provenance and dating, but the style is suggestive of early 20th century, and its use pre-dates the past 50 years or so at St. John’s.
Brass Alms Dish
Identifer
ASJ2025.14Physical Description
This solid brass alms dish is intricately decorated, and in design appears to be “Arts and Crafts” inspired. An inscription near the outer rim reads, “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord.” Stylised letters closer to the star emblem in centre spell out, “Give alms”.Nothing is known of its provenance and dating, but the style is suggestive of early 20th century, and its use pre-dates the past 50 years or so at St. John’s.
Historical Details
Historically, alms dishes were used for collecting donations for the poor, and for charitable purposes, but it is fairly likely that this particular one was used as an offertory plate, in which the gathered collections were put together and brought forward to the sanctuary during services of worship.Materials
brassDating of Item
1900-2025Database Date: Faculty Date:
24 June 2025;