My theory revolves around the LDS Temple Ritual.
It is so hard to imagine getting your stuff washed at church, but there are some weird rituals out there.
My brother is a big Mason-type. I never joined. In any case, he was getting promoted to Head Water Buffalo one year, and he invited me to the ceremony.
I sat there amused the entire time. It was SOOOO corny....hats, bows, deferential titles. Just corny.
Give me a church service any day of the week. At least our ritual and tradition makes sense. (And we don’t do junk washings.)