Society of Dependents
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Christian sect once common in West Sussex, England, founded by John Sirgood
They were widely known as "Cokelers".
Their faith was very simple: they were teetotal, conscientious objectors to the war and were required to remain unmarried.
Seven chapels were built in various locations.
They opened a number of combination stores around 1879. Some followers disagreed with entering the world of commerce but they were successful, selling everything from soap to suspenders, bacon to bootlaces. They also grew their own produce to sell.
All profits were put back in the business or used to help the needy. They also made furniture to sell: attractive, sturdy pieces some of which still survive.
