Vestments and Virges

Vestments
Verger paraphernalia can be as varied as the duties of the person and the tradition of the parish. The general rule, though, as with the duties is that the verger is to be “behind the scenes", always. The basic vestment is a black cassock with a sash (cincture), though it may be of another color. In some parishes no cassock is worn at all. Generally the verger wears a gown over the cassock (or street clothes) when performing a ceremonial function. One type of gown is sleeveless, resembling a bishop's chimere; the other type is cut more fully and resembles a master's academic gown. There are not any hard and fast rules about the shape and adornment of a verger's gown although many wear badges with the parish crest or the local chapter of the Guild.

The cassock and band cincture are available from Almy (www.almy.com). The cassock comes in two different styles, Roman and Anglican (Episcopal) and are relative inexpensive. The chimere may be purchased from Whippell (www.wippell.com) or from J&M Sewing (www.jandmsewing.com). The Whipple garment is a beautiful wool fabric that seems to hold its shape and looks great all the time. J&M Sewing is reputable and provides quality products. The chimeres made in England are relatively expensive, costing several hundred dollars. As an alternative, Almy offers the Anthem which is lighter in weight and less costly.

Typically in smaller parishes many Vergers invest in their own vestments. In larger parishes, the church supplies all vestments in order to maintain a uniform look among all Vergers.

For parishes that wish to start a Verger program and are not sure what type of vestments they would like use, it is recommended that the verger candidates attend the winter and/or summer meeting of the Mark Emory Graham Chapter of the Verger’s Guild. All member Vergers are requested to wear their vestments for the Holy Eucharist. Visitors will have an opportunity to see the wide assortment of vestments worn by Vergers in the Diocese of Atlanta.

Verges
The verge is the short staff that a verger carries in procession. The beadle is a longer processional staff. The name "verge" or “virge” is from the Latin "virga" which simply means a rod or a staff. Hence, a verger is one who carries the staff. The history of the verge is traced to the ceremonial maces carried before civic and ecclesiastical dignitaries in the medieval times, mostly in England. The beadle was originally used to lead academic processions. The size and shape of the verge varies; however, there is one area of consistency. That is on one end of the verge there is a cross or other Christian symbol. Some verges become very ornate.

Verges are available from Whippell (www.wippell.com). The verges with Anglican (Episcopal) Crosses are beautiful and expensive. .An alternative, which is frequently used in the Diocese of Atlanta, is to have a favorite craftsman make one. Contact the Chair of the Guild for craftsmen suggestions.

The Mark Emory Graham Chapter winter and summer meetings provide an opportunity to examine verges and beadles of all types and sizes from throughout the Diocese. A parish Verger can choose which style and shape best fits the needs of his or her parish.

Suggested Suppliers
CM Almy
P.O. Box 2628
Greenwich, CT 06836
Telephone: 800-225-2569
www.almy.com

J. Wippell & Company
P.O. Box 1
Exeter, EX4 1DQ, England
Telephone: 877-947-7355 (USA)
www.wippell.com

J&M Sewing Service Ltd
Attn: Stephen Wroe
1 Charlotte Square
Newcastle Upon the Tyne, NE1 4XF, UK
www.jandmsewing.com

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