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Title
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Ceremonial apron from the Independent Order of Rechabites
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Description
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This apron is from one of the country’s oldest temperance groups, founded as the Independent Order of Rechabites, Salford Unity Society, in August 1835. Their name came from the Old Testament, specifically Jeremiah 35, in which Jehonadab, Rechab’s son, forbade his descendants from drinking wine. It shows the Order’s crest, with figures of Peace and Plenty; the three images of triangular tents echoes the fact that this was the group’s name for its local chapters. A notable trait of the Order of Rechabites was their hierarchical structure, which more closely resembled a fraternal order than a typical temperance organization, and the symbolism here is reminiscent of freemasonry. Regalia such as this often denoted one’s position in the ‘Tent’ hierarchy, all the way up to the High Chief Ruler.
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Identifier
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MS1186/3
Objects Exhibit
