Verger

A verger (or virger, so called after the staff of the office, or wandsman in British English though archaic) is a person, usually a layperson, who assists in the ordering of religious services, particularly in Anglican churches.

Etymology

The title of verger arises from the ceremonial rod they traditionally carry known as a virge (from the Latin virga, "branch, staff, rod"; see virgule). 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 virge. According to the Albuquerque Journal, in former times, a verger might have needed to use his virge to keep back animals or an overenthusiastic crowd from the personage he was escorting or even to discipline unruly choristers.

History

The office of verger has its roots in the early days of the Church of England's history. The Order shares certain similarities with the former Minor Orders of Porter and Acolyte. Historically, vergers were responsible for the order and upkeep of a house of worship, including the care of the church buildings, its furnishings, and sacred relics, preparations for liturgy, conduct of the laity, and grave-digging responsibilities. Although there is no definitive historical examination of the office of verger, evidence from Rochester, Lincoln, Exeter, and Salisbury Cathedrals points to the existence of vergers even in the 16th century. Koster is the Dutch word for 'sexton' or 'verger' (the equivalent German word is Küster), derived from the Latin custos ('guard'). The symbol of a guild of cathedral vergers is the crossed keys.