All Saints Day
November 1st is a Holy Day that is often looked over by many Protestant churches in their excitement of the Reformation. It may be a smaller holiday compared to Easter… Read more All Saints Day →
The Protestant Reformation And Its Importance To Ecclesiastical Sewing
Did you know that next fall is going to be a very special year? October 31st, 2017 will mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. For Protestant churches, this is… Read more The Protestant Reformation And Its Importance To Ecclesiastical Sewing →
The Cope–Norris
Like the majority of modern ecclesiastical vestments, the cope has its origins in ancient garments. The cope, unlike other vestments, is a bit of a mystery. With an unknown origin,… Read more The Cope–Norris →
October 11th–Philip the Deacon
I wanted to mention that today we celebrate the feast day of one of the first deacons, the deacon Philip. The office of the deacon was the first auxiliary office in the church. It was established by the apostles in the very early days of the church. Deacons are the helpers of the church; their job is to be assistants to the priests, ministers, and pastors. As well as being assistants to the ministers, the deacons serve the congregations. In the early days of the church, seven deacons were chosen… Read more October 11th–Philip the Deacon →
Wardrobes for Clergy: Liturgical Vestments and Pastoral Stoles
The wardrobe of a member of the clergy is vast. Hopefully your clergy has the basic liturgical wardrobe pieces but if they do not, it is the job of the… Read more Wardrobes for Clergy: Liturgical Vestments and Pastoral Stoles →
Thoughts on the Upcoming Clergy Appreciation Sunday
Yesterday after the church service, a member of the congregation made an announcement that clergy appreciation Sunday is coming up very quickly—traditionally the 2nd Sunday in October. This announcement made… Read more Thoughts on the Upcoming Clergy Appreciation Sunday →
Church Linen–Roulin
Today I would like to talk about linen and those vestments and vestures made of linen. While doing some reading on linen pieces, I came across this brilliant thought from… Read more Church Linen–Roulin →
Headwear Part III: The Tiara—Norris
This is the third and final installment about headwear for this three part series. Already we have learned about the Amice and the Mitre. Today’s vestment is very distinct as… Read more Headwear Part III: The Tiara—Norris →
Headwear Part II: The Mitre—Norris
The mitre is part two of the three part series talking about ecclesiastical vestments that are headwear. Today we again travel back in time to the days of the Greeks. They were not an ostentatious people in the designing of their clothing. For instance, they wore two types of headwear and both were meant for practicality instead of fashion. The working classes—soldiers, sailors, and artisans—wore a skull-cap called a pilos. As the word skull cap suggests, this was a form fitting cap that shaped the skull, snuggly encircling over the… Read more Headwear Part II: The Mitre—Norris →
Part I: The Amice—Norris
Over the next few days I would like to talk to you about certain ecclesiastical vestments that are worn on the head. Often we focus our gaze on the voluptuous garments that cover our ministers of the church. It is important to know each distinct garment and its history. Based in practical reasoning, traditions are now carried on without knowing the origin. When we travel to Europe, view exhibits in a museum, or look in old volumes, we see all kinds of garments that our ministers no longer wear, or… Read more Part I: The Amice—Norris →
The Pallium-Herbert Norris
From the 6th century till the 1st century B.C., the Greeks wore a particular linen or wool garment. Men and women of the working class wore this garment over a kolobus—remember this is one of the predecessors to the alb. The over garment was shawl like in appearance, but much bigger than a mere shoulder wrap. It was called the himation. The himation was large enough to be draped over the left shoulder and arm, wrapping around the body on the right side. It was never worn in reverse (draping… Read more The Pallium-Herbert Norris →
The Chasuble Percy Dearmer
Did you ever look at a poncho and think that it reminded you of something familiar? We know that the poncho, a Spanish garment, originated in Spain and today is… Read more The Chasuble Percy Dearmer →
