 In the church narthex is a small tin communion plate. It sits next to the 1938 youth group song book. Both were recently rediscovered, tucked away among the church's archives. The book was easy to research. But this communion plate remains something of a mystery. It was a mass-produced item. The floral designs were stamped into the metal, and the lip was machine-rolled.  In the middle is an inscription, which could possibly have been hand-stamped. Presbyterian Sunday School Orange, Va. Dec. 1922 It's seen some hard use. The rim is dented, and the patina suggests frequent handling. This little communion plate is a part of OPC's history. Albeit it's one with more questions than answers.  Was this a presentation piece to (or from) the Sunday School? Was the plate used for communion at Youth Group gatherings or just for Sunday School events? Was it ever used in regular Sunday worship? We can only speculate. But it's good to have this tactile piece of history available once again. If you have an opportunity, pick up the plate. And imagine all the hands that held it before you.  Youth and adults from over a century ago used this humble tin plate to pass the bread. They said the same words and did the same actions we do today in worship for communion.
This plate is not just a historic curiosity. It's a reminder of the continuity of this church's faith over the past 175+ years. Ralph Graves, Communications Team
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