Summary
Travelling communion set used in the Mayday Hills Psychiatric Hospital by the visiting chaplain (may have been Anglican or Roman Catholic.) Discovered in a cupboard as Mayday Hills was being closed, and donated to the Museum. Used: Beechworth, Victoria, Australia, circa 1900 - 1980
Physical Description
A wooden box with a hinged lid and metal clasp which contains eight separate compartments, storing various pieces of equipment used in the celebration of the eucharist in a Christian service. The box was easily carried, and the equipment easily set up in an informal situation, such as a hospital ward or a dining room. The box, of varnished wood (probably pine) is lined with red velvet, and contains a crucifix made of plated metal, a plated metal oval tray etched with a design of wheat, grapes and a chalice, two plated metal candle- sticks, each stamped "Germany", a plated metal chalice, and a plated metal plate to hold the host, together with nine white candles (some have been lit) and a smaller chalice and a plastic and metal container.
Significance
Example of religious ceremonies performed in psychiatric hospitals in Victoria Australia
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Mayday Hills Hospital, 21 Mar 1995
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Place & Date Used
Mayday Hills Hospital, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia, Circa 1940
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Inscriptions
"Germany" stamped on candlesticks, chalice, small chalice, small container.
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Classification
Medicine & health, Mental health - institutional life, Religions
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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overall dimensions
35 cm (Length), 28 cm (Width), 11 cm (Height)
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Exhibition Collection Management
283 mm (Length), 354 mm (Width), 145 mm (Height)
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Dimensions
11.5 cm (Length), 28 cm (Width), 35.5 cm (Height)
Measurement From Conservation. Measuring Method: box only
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Keywords
Mental Health, Psychiatric Hospitals, Religious Ceremonies, Making History - Psych Services
