wp100144b3_02.jpg
wpc7e5aa32_02.jpg
wp1a7bbf22_02.jpg
wp8b284f8b_02.jpg
wpa567fdfc_02.jpg
wp74ca43e2_02.jpg
wp92599f31_02.jpg
wpea9c4090_02.jpg
wp9bbb0639_02.jpg
wp27562668_02.jpg
wp7ea25dc4_02.jpg
wp36fae882_02.jpg
wpabd6b348_02.jpg
St. Peter & St. Paul
wp881fd9ad_02.jpg
wp87c87baf_02.jpg
wpec084d40_02.jpg
wp19d30838_02.jpg

Enter

This Door

 

wp4469c232_02.jpg
wp0a86d611_02.jpg

Groups

wp9e85e1fa_02.jpg
wpa506bcdf.png
wpa506bcdf.png
wp1fe8cea5_02.jpg
wpddb6d1b8_02.jpg
This boat takes you back
This is the next boat
wpaab23014_02.jpg

Vergers

where the rough places become smooth

The office of Verger goes back to the Middle Ages.  Evidence from Rochester, Lincoln, Exeter, and Salisbury Cathedrals indicates the existence of vergers as far back as the 16th century.   In the course of time Vergers have played many roles in churches - Verger, Sexton, Chalice Bearer, Lay Reader, Usher, Protector of the Procession, Doorkeeper, Grave Digger, Master of Ceremonies.   Today their role is partly ceremonial, and mainly to do with ensuring that all is ready for worship.   Vergers are often responsible for the security of the building.   They work closely with Churchwardens and, of course, Clergy.

 

Vergers are often the first people you meet as you come through the door.   One of their main roles is to greet people and to help them find books, anything else they might need, and a place to sit.

 

Dick Jeffery is currently our chief Verger.   

 

The name comes from the Latin "virga" which simply means a rod or staff; hence, a verger is one who carries a staff and leads the procession.   The virge traces 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 are examples of other modern use of medieval symbols.   The virge was originally a weapon used to clear the way for processions (and control unruly choristers!).   The size and shape of a virge varies from place to place, but one end always has a cross or other Christian symbol mounted on it.