What is a verger in the Anglican/Episcopal church?

[lak611]

I have never heard of the position of verger before. Apparently it is something that the Anglican/Episcopal church has. What does this person do? Are vergers considered to be laymen or clergy?

 

[Della]

To get you started, here is the dictionary definition: verger.

 

[lak611]

To get you started, here is the dictionary definition: verger.

Are they laymen or clerics? Are the ones who carry the symbol of the office the same ones who are caretakers of the church?

 

[bpbasilphx]

The verger is a combination usher, sexton, and sgt-at-arms.

He would carry a rod (virgule, whence the name) to help clear the way for processions in churches that had no pews.

 

[lak611]

The verger is a combination usher, sexton, and sgt-at-arms.

He would carry a rod (virgule, whence the name) to help clear the way for processions in churches that had no pews.

So are they laymen, then?

 

[Contarini]

So are they laymen, then?

Yes.

Edwin

 

[Rightlydivide]

Learn something every day.

 

[Prof_54]

A verger is a lay minister who asists the clergy in the conduct of public worship, especially in the marshalling of processions into the church.

 

[lak611]

A verger is a lay minister who asists the clergy in the conduct of public worship, especially in the marshalling of processions into the church.

Thank you!