“Vestments of the Church” Book Restored After 150 Years
“Vestments of the Church” Book Restored After 150 Years
A Forgotten Gem Reawakens
“Vestments of the Church” Book Restored After 150 Years: Over a century ago, Rev. W. B. Marriott wrote these quiet, luminous words:
“It is not mere decoration that we seek in the vestments of the Church, but meaning—symbols that speak to the soul even when no words are spoken.”
First published in 1869 and long out of print, Vestments of the Church was nearly lost to time, tucked away in archives, remembered only by a few. But now, this sacred text returns to light.
Why We Brought Back Vestments of the Church
At Ecclesiastical Sewing, our work has always been about more than thread and fabric. It’s about remembering. Restoring. Lifting beauty back to its rightful place at the altar of God.
That’s why we’re honored to reintroduce this sacred text. Carefully restored with thoughtful updates to formatting and presentation, this edition holds fast to the soul of the original, while opening its pages to today’s readers.
The Meaning Woven into Every Vestment
Originally delivered as a lecture to the Bucks Archaeological Society, Marriott’s work isn’t just a historical outline. It’s a spiritual journey—tracing the garments of worship from Roman and Jewish roots through centuries of Christian practice.
From the humble alb to the dignified chasuble, each vestment becomes a vessel of theology, a visible sign of invisible grace. Marriott helps us see not just what they are, but why they matter.
For Readers Drawn to Sacred Beauty
This book is for the hands that stitch and the hearts that pray.
For clergy, historians, and anyone who looks at a vestment and sees more than cloth.
If you’ve ever felt that beauty in worship isn’t just decorative, but declarative, this book belongs with you.
Why Beauty in Worship Still Matters
“Late have I loved You, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new.”
—St. Augustine, Confessions
That longing, ancient, holy, and still so present, resonates throughout Marriott’s writing. Beauty in worship isn’t embellishment. It’s devotion. It’s a language of awe. It is how the Church has always spoken when words fall short.
Conclusion
Marriott didn’t just record the history of vestments; he helped us understand their meaning. He showed how these garments continue to speak to the faith and devotion of the Church today.
Now, with this lovingly restored edition, that invitation is extended once more.
If you care about sacred tradition and value the role of beauty in worship, this book will feel like a meaningful addition. It connects the past with the present in a way that’s thoughtful and clear.
We’re grateful for the chance to bring it back and honored to share it with you.
End Note
At Ecclesiastical Sewing, we exist to help preserve the sacred. The return of Vestments of the Church is just one way we honor the art and mystery of worship.
You’ll find more than books here. You’ll find tools to create. To remember. To serve.
Explore our collection of liturgical books, vestments, and sacred designs, and discover how beauty continues to speak.
Coming Soon: The Official Release
We’ll be sharing the release details very soon, and we can’t wait to place this treasure back in your hands.
While you wait, we invite you to explore our other liturgical books and resources. Use code SHOP10 at checkout to enjoy 10% off your order.
Soli Deo Gloria
Be sure to visit our online store front Ecclesiastical Sewing where you may shop for Liturgical Fabrics, altar linen fabrics, church vestment-making patterns, liturgical machine embroidery designs, church vestment trims and notions and so much more. You may also find us on Ecclesiastical Sewing on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Sign up for our mailing list at the bottom of the page on our online store front and receive a free copy of our Small Linens Booklet as our way of saying thank you for following along.
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