The Father of Chapel (FoC) and Mother of Chapel (MoC) are the titles in the United Kingdom referring to a shop steward representing members of a trade union in a printing office or in journalism. The FoC or MoC is assisted by the Clerk of the Chapel or by a Deputy FoC/MoC.
In the printing trade, a Chapel was the traditional name given to a meeting of compositors. The name originates in the early history of printing in Great Britain, when printing offices were controlled by churches (hence "chapel").
The name also honours the origins of British trade unionism, where non-conformist churches often acted as covers for trade union activity, which was illegal at the time.
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Famous quotes containing the words father and/or chapel:
“The lightning—it is good for you. Your father was Frankenstein, but your mother was the lightning. She has come down to you again.”
—W. Scott Darling. Erle C. Kenton. Ygor (Bela Lugosi)
“The religion of England is part of good-breeding. When you see on the continent the well-dressed Englishman come into his ambassador’s chapel and put his face for silent prayer into his smooth-brushed hat, you cannot help feeling how much national pride prays with him, and the religion of a gentleman.”
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