Over 800 years of service

Evidence from Rochester, Lincoln, Exeter, and Salisbury Cathedrals indicates the existence of Vergers as far back as the 12th century.  A familiar sight in English cathedrals and on television broadcasts of Royal weddings, funerals, etc., Vergers have maintained the buildings and furnishings of the Church, led the liturgy, and served God in the church for many centuries.

The office shares certain similarities with the former minor orders of "porter" and "acolyte."  Generally speaking, Vergers are responsible for the order and upkeep of the house of worship, including preparations for the liturgy, the conduct of the laity, and in times past even grave-digging among many other duties in the church.

In medieval times, the Verger (spelled "virger" in England and older texts) was the Protector of the Procession.  The Verger led the way for the procession as it moved from the vestry around the church or cathedral and into the front doors.  The procession often moved through crowds of people and animals, and the Verger was there to clear a pathway with his virge (mace or "Staff of Office").  The Verger had to be the first person in the procession as he cleared the way for the thurifer, crucifer, acolytes, choir, and sacred ministers by swinging the Virge in front of them.

Notice that "The Verger led the way for the procession."  It is important to clarify that the Verger "makes way for" and does not "lead" the procession.

My thanks are extended to Bruce Olive, St. Philip's Verger Emeritus, for this information.

What is a Virge?

Notice the spelling.  The virge is the staff that a Verger carries while making way for a procession.  The name comes from the Latin "virga" which simply means a rod or staff; hence, a "Verger" is one who carries a staff.  The virge can trace its history back to the ceremonial maces carried before civic and ecclesiastical dignitaries.  The Maces of State used in the House of Lords and the House of Commons of the British Parliament are examples of another modern use of the medieval symbols. Originally a weapon used to clear the way for processions (and control lunging dogs and unruly choristers!), its use is now principally honorific.  The size, style, and shape of a virge varies from parish to parish; but one end typically has a cross or other Christian symbol mounted on it.  A longer variation of the virge is called the "beadle", and was originally used to lead academic processions.

Why black?

Why do we wear a black cassock?  Except on special occasions, Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, Baptisms, etc., when we clear the way for the procession, a black cassock is our only vestment.

This enables us to be as inconspicuous as possible.  A verger only needs to be recognized as such in order to help visitors, and sometimes regulars, who have questions about the church in general or worship in particular. One of the many duties of the verger is the "Ministry of Welcome".

However, not all vergers wear black cassocks, those in cathedrals normally were purple.

Okay, so we need to be both inconspicuous but recognizable. This begs the question, "If you need to work quietly in the background, why did you start this blog"?  This ministry is a calling that can benefit most parishes and their clergy.  We are not a secret society and I wanted to explain what we do.  It is often said that all churches have a verger, but some don't know it.  For example, there is usually someone who does all or perhaps some of the work of a verger but wouldn't call her/himself by that name.  The Vergers' Guild is running a campaign to recruit vergers to this wonderful ministry - Got Vergers?

What is a verger?

Probably the questions I am asked most are, "What is a Verger?" and  "what does a Verger do?"

Thanks to St. Philip's and it's Verger Emeritus, the following may help answer those questions.

The office of Verger has its roots in the earliest days of the Church's history. Today's Vergers are laypersons who serve the church in a ministry of liturgical coordination and welcome. It is an appointed volunteer position, serving at the discretion of the rector. I am privileged to be the fifth Verger of St. Philip's Episcopal Church.

The Verger's logistical support allows the priest more time for pastoral and sacramental responsibilities. Some typical Verger duties are assigning, training, and checking in lectors, chalice bearers, acolytes, and prayer intercessors. The Verger coordinates with the clergy, acolyte master, music director and choir, altar guild, ushers and greeters, and checks lighting and sound. The Verger works with the rector to ensure that any special service needs are met and that the service flow is seamless and grace-filled. Often the visitor will see the Verger in a simple black cassock moving about the church preparing for worship, and responding to questions from parishioners old and new.

The Verger must be trained and able to fill any lay position if needed, from usher to lector to acolyte to chalice bearer.

A little history

On October 14th, 2012 I was installed as Verger of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Durham NC. I am privileged to be the fifth Verger in the history of St. Philip's. A cradle Anglican, I'm an import from Norfolk, England where I was a pre-press manager of a well-known book printing company. In 2001 with Gail my Yorkshire-born wife moved to Andalusia, Spain where we lived in semi-retirement for five years before moving to North Carolina in 2006. 

I first became interested in the ministry of verger while a member of a small downtown church, St. Joseph's. I had  from early childhood always been interested in the liturgy and the rubrics of worship.  I was a junior chorister at my local C of E church and soon became an altar boy (aka acolyte, no altar girls in those days). 

As I became more involved at St. Joe's I found I needed to learn more so joined the Vergers' Guild of the Episcopal Church and enrolled in their training course. Meanwhile we had transferred to St. Philip's and I was soon active in the verger ministry there under the guidance of the patient and very knowledegable Head Verger, Bruce Olive (now Verger Emeritus).  His encouragement and leadership saw me involved and helping plan services throughout the church year and by late summer I had completed the Guild course to become a Fellow (FVGEC). 

My intention  is to post verger-related and personal reflections which hopefully will be of interest to readers and who knows, perhaps encourage others to take up this very worthwhile ministry.