Keeping the Dogs At Bay

Well, I guess I lied a little bit when I said last week was the last of Why Do We Do That series. I really intended to give you a break, but I began to feel bad about leaving out someone very much in evidence in most Episcopal cathedrals and in other parishes too. This someone’s office and responsibilities have been around at least since the early days of the Anglican Church and very likely before that. I speak of the Verger.

The Verger is a lay person who dresses in a black gown called a cassock. Over that the Verger wears a purple or violet chimere. The latter is a garment that begin life as a part of what university professors wore. It looks like an academic gown, but without sleeves and it worn open at the front. The Verger carries a short virge (latin: virga meaning twig or rod). Why? Originally, the Verger led the processions and had to use the virge to assist the procession in moving through the crowds. The crowds could become unruly in their enthusiasm sometimes. The virge was useful for waking worshippers who might have dozed off or for keeping the dogs and other animals from approaching the altar!  Sometimes they may have had to wack a chorister who had become disruptive. Remember, the invention of pews and sitting for worship is a relatively modern innovation. For centuries people stood, or sat on the floor, or brought their own little stool to church. They, and small animals like dogs, cats, and chickens, milled around during worship, so the Verger had to keep order.

Early Vergers had a host of other responsibilities too. Besides keeping order, they took care of the buildings and its furnishings, helped prepare for the liturgy, and dug graves. Today, behind the scenes they still help prepare for the liturgy. They also ceremonially precede the service participants as they move about the church. You’ll notice them most at St. Mary’s as they walk in procession and at communion when they direct someone with bread and the cup to worshippers who were unable to go forward to receive communion.

The official website of Episcopal Vergers says, “We often say that every parish has a verger whether they are identified as such. Some typical verger duties are assigning, training, and checking in lectors, chalice bearers, acolytes and prayer intercessors.”

We can be thankful that modern Vergers almost never need to keep the dogs at bay.

OK. Next week I promise a more “theological” topic and to lay off the history stuff for a bit. I’m blogging about the topic What Did Jesus Really Say? Fair warning though, sometimes I just can’t help myself and history rears its head.

Peace, 

Jerry