Project Canterbury

A MANUAL

FOR

ALTAR GUILDS

WITH SUGGESTIONS FOR THE CARE OF THE ALTAR AND ALTAR LINEN

COMPILED BYJOSEPHINE SMITH WOOD

REVISED AND ENLARGED

EDWIN S. GORHAM, PUBLISHER11 West Forty-Fifth Street, New York, N. Y.

1915

Transcribed by Wayne KemptonArchivist and Historiographer of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, 2008

HYMN.BY JOSEPHINE SMITH WOOD.

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From a "Collect after Communion" found in ancient Syriac Liturgy.

Thy soldiers grant, O Saviour dear,Hereafter Thy sweet peace,That we, who fight Thy battles here,May then find sure surcease.

May eyes, which here have looked on TheeIn Sacrament of love,Thy blessed hope's fruition see,In heavenly courts above.

And tongues, which here have sung Thy praise,Make always truth to speak,Fill them with kindly words to raise,Thy servants faint and weak.

O bring the feet which stood arightWithin Thy holy place,To walk within the land of light,Endued with heavenly grace.

Who on Thy living Body feed,By that blest Food restored,

To newer life, be theirs indeed,To dwell with Thee, dear Lord;

Where, reigning with the Holy GhostAnd Father evermore,Thou livest King, th' angelic hostUnceasingly adore.

Newark, N. J.

PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION.________

As questions are constantly arising concerning the formation and work of Altar Societies orGuilds, and details regarding Altar Linen, from Parishes where there is no organizationespecially for the care of the Altar and its appointments, it has been deemed advisable topublish this Manual. It is hoped that it will be found to contain all that is necessary fororganizing an Altar Guild and helpful to those interested in the furnishing and care of AltarLinen. The following By-Laws (with slight local alterations) have been in successful operationin one Parish for eighteen years.

J. S.W.MAY, 1892.

PREFACE TO TENTH EDITION.REVISED AND ENLARGED.

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SINCE the first publication of this little book, over eight years ago, many Altar Guilds havebeen formed, and from time to time a desire has been expressed for fuller details, especiallyconcerning Altar work. Every Parish has needs and limitations peculiarly its own, and whatwould obtain in one would be unnecessary in another, therefore a work of this kind, to behelpful to all, can only be general and suggestive. In the matter of rules and regulations, anddevotional exercises, each Guild must be guided by its local requirements and the discretion ofits Rector. While all Church Vestments, both clerical and lay, come under the care of an AltarGuild, it is thought unnecessary to touch upon any except those of the Priest which pertain tothe Altar service. The subject of vestments, and details of ceremonial, are aside from thepurpose and beyond the scope of this Manual.

J. S. W.JANUARY, 1900

EMMANUEL.By Josephine Smith Wood

Noon-day splendor bathed the hillsOf Bethlehem at midnight hour,And heav'nly heralds sweet,Awoke the earth with bursts of song, A newborn King to greet.

With joy they sang: "A Saviour KingIs born in royal David's town.O shepherds, haste ye then,To worship Him, 'tis Christ the Lord,Who comes to dwell with men."

A little Child, with love-lit eyes,And tender outstretched hand's, they find, And low they bend the knee;Nor heeds the humble cattle shed,Nor rude-built manger see.

For oh, the glory that was there,The rightness of that Christmas Day, No pen, nor tongue can tell!Nor can the heart its joy express, Where dwells Emmanuel.

Newark, N. J.

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A HYMN TO OUR LORD._______

WHEN to Thy beloved on Patmos, Through the open door in heaven,Visions of the perfect worship, Savour, by Thy love were given--Surely there was truth and spirit,Surely there a pattern shownHow Thy Church should do her serviceWhen she comes before Thy throne.

'Tis for Thee we bid the frontal Its embroidered wealth unfold'Tis for Thee we deck the ReredosWith the colors and the gold;Thine the floral glow and fragrance, Thine the vesture's fair arrayThine the starry lights that glitter, Where Thou dost Thy light display.

'Tis to Thee the chant is lifted, 'Tis to Thee the heads are bowed,Far less deep was Israel's rapture When the glory filled the cloud,Oh, our own true God Incarnate, What should Christians' ritual be,But a voice to utter somewhat Of their joy and pride in Thee!

Lord, bring home the glorious lesson, To their hearts, who strangely deem That an unmajestic worshipDoth Thy majesty beseem.Show them more of Thy dear presenceLet them, let them come to knowThat our King is throned among us, And His Church is Heaven below!

--Canon Bright

A Manual for Altar Guilds.________

"Lord, I have loved the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thine honor dwelleth." PsA. xxvi. 8.

THE ARRANGEMENT AND ORNAMENTS OF THE CHURCH.

1. The Font is properly placed near the door, to show that Baptism is the gate by which weenter into the fold of Christ's Church.

2. It has been the rule in the Anglican (not Roman) Communion for centuries, that the Altarshould be at the East, in token that Christ is the true "Sun of Righteousness," and in the beliefthat when He comes again it will be from the East. Hence also it always has been the custom tobury the dead with their feet toward the East, so that when they rise they may meet Him. SeeHymn 243, Church Hymnal. The Altar end of the Church is considered, technically, the East,even if the Church building be not placed East and West.

3. The Altar is made conspicuous as the most sacred part of the Church, because itcommemorates Christ crucified, and because it is used in the highest act of Divine Worship, theHoly Eucharist, in the which, by the Ministry of His Church, the all-prevailing merits ofChrist's Sacrifice and Passion are pleaded before the Father.

[12] The Altar answers to the Altar and to the Mercy Seat in the Jewish Temple. It is elevatedfor its Divine purpose, beautified and adorned as the throne of the Great King and railed in topreserve it from irreverence. The place within the Chancel rail is called the Sanctuary.

4. Lights are used in some Churches at the celebration of the Holy Communion; the twoEucharistic lights are said to signify that "Christ is the True Light of the world, revealed to us inthe Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments." They also typify His two natures, the Humanand the Divine. When lighted for the Celebration, the light on the Epistle side is kindled firstand extinguished last. Other lights on or about the Altar are used as symbols of spiritual joy inChrist's Redemption.

5. Flowers are used upon the Altar for the same reason, symbolizing spiritual joy, and in honorof Him who is the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley. Some care should be taken in theselection of flowers for the various seasons, as frequently the color of the flowers may be madeto harmonize with the proper color for the day. No ornaments or adornments should be placedon the Altar proper.

"ON THE ALTAR"

is an expression used for convenience. Strictly speaking, nothing is placed on the Altar but the[12/13] Sacred Vessels with cloths of service and the Altas Desk, which holds the ServiceBook. The Altar Cross, vases for flowers, and candlesticks, are placed upon the re-table or inniches in the Reredos.

Psa. cxvi. 12-14.I. Kings vii. 49-50. Isa. lx. 13.

It is usual in many churches to vest the Altar in different colors to mark the various seasons ofthe Church. Thus at Christmas, Easter, and festivals other than the feasts of the Martyrs white isused. For Whitsunday and feasts of the Martyrs red is used. For Trinity Sunday white is used,but for Sundays after Trinity green. Violet is the color for Advent, the Innocents' Day, Lent,Rogation Days, and Vigils. In the Divine commands relative to the making of the Tabernaclein the wilderness, this verse occurs: "And they shall take gold, and blue, and scarlet, andpurple, and fine linen."

[14] "The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him."--HAB. ii. 20.

ALTAR WORK.

Before entering upon work about the Altar, kneel a few moments at the Chancel rail, and,offering your work to God, ask Him to accept and bless it, and enable you to do it worthily asunto Him. It is a great honor and privilege to be allowed to care for the holy things in God'shouse, and a devout spirit and reverent demeanor should characterize those who are thusengaged.

Strict silence should be observed within the Chancel rail. "The place whereon thou standest isholy ground" (Exod, iii. 5). General conversation, planning and discussing of work, should bedone in the Sacristy.

In Altar or Chancel decoration never make use of the Altar in any way, either to stand, or leanupon, or as a resting-place for tools or materials.

Everything about the Altar, Chancel, and Sacristy should be kept scrupulously clean and neat.The Sacred Vessels thoroughly clean and bright. The Vestments clean and ready for use.Ornaments for the Altar and Chancel polished, and each in its own peculiar place.

Each member, at the end of her term of service, [14/15] should leave the linen clean upon theAltar, upon the Credence, and in the drawers of the Sacristy.

In order that an accurate account of the linen may be kept, she should make a list of the sameand submit it to the Guild each month, or whenever her term of service expires.

This rule, regarding a list of articles, is well to be observed, so far as practicable, by allcommittees of the Guild.

Each member should complete the work, for the time being, under her charge, before the nextin turn assumes the duty.

Any member (of any committee) who finds she is unable to perform fully her duty should atonce report to the Secretary, that another may be appointed in her stead.

Withered flowers should not be allowed to remain about the Altar, and when removed shouldbe burned, and the water in which they have been placed poured on the ground.

All Altar linen should be rinsed in clear water before being regularly washed, and the rinsingwater poured on the ground.

No starch or bluing should be used in laundering the linen.

The washing and ironing of Altar linen should receive the personal care of a member of theAltar Committee and should never be given into the hands of a laundress. (This does not referto Vestments.)

[16] BEFORE SERVICE.

A member of the Committee on Altar Work should see that the Altar is properly vested, andthat in the Sacristy all things are in readiness for the Priest at least ten minutes before theservice.

A canister for breads, glass cruets for wine and water, a basin, and the mandatory should beplaced on the Chancel Credence.

When the Priest bears the Sacred Vessels and cloths of service in to the Altar, and when (theservice over) he bears them out, he arranges them in the following order:

The Chalice, on which put the Purificator; upon that, the Paten; upon that, the Pall; then, overall, the Veil; upon that lay the Burse containing the Corporal and the linen Chalice Veil. In thisorder the Sacred Vessels should be placed on the Sacristy Credence and the Priest's Vestmentsspread upon a table in the following manner: First, the Chasuble, front part downward, on thetable; on this place the Maniple, Stole and Girdle, so arranged as to form the monogram

[17] On these lay the Alb, so conveniently folded that the Priest can readily draw it over hishead. On top of all lay the Amice with strings crossed.

The Priest (already vested in Cassock) can thus easily and quickly robe himself for the service.

AFTER SERVICE

The cleansing and putting away of the Sacred Vessels and Altar linen should be carefully andreverently done, especially the rinsing of the Purificator.

The Vestments of the Priest must be neatly folded and placed in such drawers or closets as areprovided for that purpose, and the Sacristy left in order.

SUGGESTIONS.

For the more complete and systematic carrying on of the work of an Altar Guild it has beenfound helpful to divide the Guild into special committees; each committee reporting monthly tothe Guild; and its members taking in turn the oversight of the work of the committee to whichshe belongs.

The work may be divided as follows:

COMMITTEE ON ALTAR WORK.

The vesting of the Altar, the care of the linen and the Sacred Vessels.

[18] COMMITTEE ON METAL ORNAMENTS.

The cleaning and keeping in repair of the metal of the Altar, Font and Chancel.

COMMITTEE ON FLOWERS AND CANDLES.

The arranging, and keeping fresh flowers which are provided for the Altar. To note especiallythat flowers are provided for the greater festivals. The furnishing of candles; and renewing andkeeping in tidy condition those in use on or about the Altar.

COMMITTEE ON VESTMENTS.

The furnishing and keeping in order of those of the Clergy.The furnishing and keeping in order of those of the Choir, Servers and Acolytes.

COMMITTEE ON ALTAR LINEN.

The furnishing, making, and embroidering of the linen used on the Altar and Credence.

COMMITTEE ON EMBROIDERY.

The ornamentation of the Altar and Chancel hangings and of Vestments for the Clergy.

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[19] PREFECT WORK.(I. Cor. xiii. 3.)

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A SCULPTOR once in olden timeWrought with such love and care, Lest any shadow of himselfShould mar his work so fair--Upon his forehead placed a flame;

And its soft beams aloneKept ever clear and pure the light Upon his work of stone.Devotion, skill, and patient thought His memory enthrone.

Our foreheads bear the sign of HimWho is the world's great Light;And he who keeps alive God's flameOf love, will work aright.Oh, may no shadows of ourselvesE'er prove our efforts naught,But may the light of His great loveShow singleness of thought,And work which "profiteth" becauseWith Charity 'tis wrought.

J. S.W.

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[20] "Let everything be done decently and in order."

CONCERNING THE SACRISTY OR VESTRY.

To avoid the continual occurrence of confusion and mistakes, it is absolutely necessary thatthere be "a place for everything and everything in its place," therefore it is important that theSacristy be provided with facilities for keeping in order, and tidy condition, the Altar, theChancel, and the Sacristy, and proper furniture for the care of the Altar linen, Chancelhangings, Vestments, etc.

The Priest's Vestments should be kept in one place and those of the Choir in another. (Aseparate room for the Choir and its Vestments is desirable.) Albs, Amices and Girdles in oneplace and Vestments of silk or similar material in another. Altar linen, large and small, in adrawer or box by itself. Vestments of the same color should be kept together so far as possible.

Altar bread and wine, Candles, Brasses, Alms Basins, etc., all must have their separate andpeculiar corners or spaces in drawers or cupboards. It [20/21] is impossible to give usefuldetails concerning the construction of cupboards, closets, drawers, etc., because their form anddimensions depend necessarily upon the size and shape of the Sacristy.

Every Sacristy should have

A VESTING TABLE,

which is a table, or the top of a chest of drawers, employed for no other purpose than toarrange on it the Priest's Vestments; the drawers being used to contain Vestments and Altarlinen. These drawers should be shallow, each one to hold the Vestments of one color only.

A SACRISTY CREDENCE.

A small stand or bracket on which to make ready the Communion Vessels before they are

carried into the Church. Sometimes with this is combined a water faucet and a drain, forconvenience in cleansing the Sacred Vessels and rinsing the Purificators. This drain, and that ofthe Font, should lead to the ground and not empty into the common sewer. Water from flowervases should be thrown elsewhere. Where there is no such drain a special basin should be keptfor cleansing the Sacred Vessels and rinsing the Purificators. There should also be specialtowels for Altar use alone.

A writing-table or desk provided with stationery.

[22] A carafe of water for drinking and a tumbler; a large mirror, brush and comb, and a supplyof pins and matches.

Conveniences for hand washing, basin, soap and towels.

A closet containing a carpet broom and dust pan, two feather dusters (one with long handle), adusting brush and cloths for dusting, housecloths, pails, soap, etc. Materials for cleaning silver,and also for polishing the brasses which are not lacquered. Without these conveniences at handit is impossible to keep things really clean and tidy, and those who have had long experience inAltar work testify to the importance of emphasizing these details.

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SUGGESTIONS FOR ALTAR LINEN.

Linen, not damask, should be used.No imitation lace for trimming.French red and blue and white cottons or linens for embroidery.

The linen necessary for a correct celebration of the Holy Communion is as follows: A FairLinen Cloth, a Corporal, a Purificator, a Pall, a Linen Chalice Veil, a Credence Cloth, aMandatory, and a Burse and Veil, usually of silk. The number of pieces of each kind requiredmust be determined [22/23] by the frequency of the Celebrations in a Parish. The following issufficient for a Parish having only weekly Celebrations:

3 Fair Linen Cloths.3 Corporals.6 Purificators.2 Palls.2 Linen Chalice Veils.2 Credence Cloths.4 Mundatories.

THE FRONTAL AND SUPER FRONTAL.

If only one Frontal is used throughout the year its color should be red. It is the ornamental clothcovering the front of the Altar, having embroidered designs upon it and a fringe along itsbottom edge. The Super Frontal covers the top of the Altar, hanging down in front and at bothends about eight inches, and is finished with a fringe to match the Frontal, or it may be a stripof lace about eight inches wide, the exact length of the Altar, hanging down from the frontedge over the Frontal, and sewed to a piece of linen which covers the top of the Altar. TheSuper Frontal may be used without the Frontal.

THE PROTECTOR

is a linen cloth, the length and width of the top of the Altar, which lies over the Fair LinenCloth [23/24] when an Altar is continually kept vested for daily Celebrations.

It is sometimes made of a strip of green silk or baize, suitably lined and marked with fivecrosses.

THE CERE CLOTH,

sometimes called a protector, is a waxed linen cloth extended over the mensa, or top of theAltar, to protect the consecrated stone from damp, dirt, or irreverence. The consecrated stone issometimes sewed up in this waxed linen Cloth.

The Altar is covered with three linen cloths, the first two are the exact size of the top of theAltar and the third is the Fair Linen Cloth.

THE FAIR LINEN CLOTH

is the exact width of the Altar top and hangs over each end eighteen inches or two feet. It mayhave five crosses worked upon it, one in the middle and one at each corner of the Altar, and theends may be embroidered with suitable designs and trimmed with lace, or linen fringe. The FairLinen Cloth represents the cloth which was wound around our Blessed Lord's Body at HisBurial.

THE CORPORAL

is of fine linen twenty-one inches square, hem very narrow, no ornamentation of any kindexcept a small cross in red, in the centre of the front edge [24/25] near the hem. Whenlaundered it should be folded right side in, three folds length-wise and three crosswise, makinga square of seven inches. The Priest simply lays it upon the Altar and unfolds it to Celebrateon, and refolds it after the Celebration. To this fact it owes its name, and like the Fair Linen itrepresents one of our Blessed Lord's Burial Cloths. It is carried to and from the Altar inside theBurse. A Corporal, which has been used at the Altar, should be left in the Burse and not takenout and laid in a drawer, until after it has been washed. The Corporal should be washed withspecial care. It should be rinsed in clear water by the Priest himself, or an assistant, beforebeing regularly washed, and the rinsing water poured upon the ground, where there is novessel or drain, set apart for such use in the Sacristy.

THE PURIFICATORS,

of which there should be a number, are of fine linen, thirteen and a half inches square, withplain, narrow hem, and a white or red cross embroidered in the centre, or in one corner. EachPurificator should be folded in three like the Corporal, only right side out. They are used by thePriest to cleanse the Sacred Vessels at the Altar, and should be used only once, and carefullyrinsed like the Corporal before being regularly washed.

THE PALL

is a piece of linen sewed tight, like a bag, over a piece of cardboard, eight inches square, or thediameter of the Paten, which it should entirely cover. Upon the upper side should beembroidered, or chain-stitched, in red, the letters I N R I surrounded by a crown of thorns. It is

used to protect the Chalice during the Celebration. It should have a square of linen, withnarrow hem, tacked upon the under side by a stitch at each corner. This lining should bechanged frequently, but the Pall itself need only be taken to pieces at intervals when it needswashing. As the stains upon the Pall lining come from the consecrated Chalice it should bewashed with great care and reverence. It should be rinsed twice in clear water by the Priesthimself, or an assistant, before being regularly washed, and the water disposed of in likemanner with that from the rinsing of the Corporal. It is much to be desired that each Sacristywere provided with proper facilities for this, as well as for washing the Sacred Vessels afterCelebrations.

THE LINEN CHALICE VEIL

is of the finest cambric linen, eighteen inches square when finished, and should be trimmedwith rich lace at least one inch deep. It may be elaborately embroidered and trimmed withwider lace. [26/27] It is used to cover the Chalice and Paten after the communion of the people.

When all have communicated, the Chalice should be placed in the middle of the Corporal; thePaten on the Chalice; the Pall on the Paten, and the Linen Chalice Veil over all until theablutions, when the Priest rearranges the Sacred Vessels in the order in which they werebrought into the Altar.

The Veil represents the cloth which was wrapped about our Blessed Lord's Head at His Burial.

THE CREDENCE CLOTH

is of linen sufficient to cover the Credence, and hanging a little over the top all around. It maybe ornamented with a design of wheat and fine leaves, or hemstitched, or trimmed with fringe.

THE MUNDATORY

is the linen napkin for the Priest's lavabo, and is made of linen diaper, twelve by eighteeninches, with narrow hem all around; it may have a lily, or a cross, embroidered with white,lengthwise in the centre.

THE BURSE

is the Corporal case, made of two pieces of cardboard, nine inches square, sewed together atone edge, with linen sides folding in as a pocket; is lined with linen and covered outside withsilk, the color of the season, suitably embroidered on the front or upper side.

[28] THE CHALICE VEIL

is a square of silk or satin the color of the season, lined with linen, or some suitable material,embroidered with a cross in the centre of the front. It is usually twenty-two inches square, butits size depends upon that of the Chalice and Paten. It is commonly ornamented with a crossplaced in the middle of one-third, presenting this appearance when opened out:

or this when covering the Sacred Vessels:

It must be large enough to touch the Altar on all sides when over the Sacred Vessels, which itis used to cover at the beginning and the end of the Service. It may have crosses at the cornersand one in the middle of the front part, or it may be powdered all over with work. If only oneVeil is used it must be of linen or lawn and of the larger size like the silk. It may be edged withlace and richly embroidered. The Altar hangings should be red where only one set is used, andalso the Burse and Veil.

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[29] PRIEST'S VESTMENTS.________

For a Celebration of the Holy Communion the Priest is vested in Cassock, Amice, Alb, Girdle,Stole, Maniple, and Chasuble.

1. The Cassock is a long black garment, reaching almost to the ground, and made of serge orreps. It is said to represent the Spirit of Recollection which should be cherished by the Ministersof the Church. It has a narrow band at the neck, above which is seen the white rim of the plainclerical collar.

2. The Amice is an oblong piece of linen, having a stiff collar attached in the middle of theupper edge and two long tapes fastened to the corners of the linen on a line with the collar.

It is placed upon the head until the tapes have been crossed over the shoulders and breast andtied around the waist of the Priest, after which he allows it to slip down over his neck, where itremains in loose folds, the collar standing up and serving as a protection to the Chasuble. An"apparelled Amice" has a collar of silk, of the color of the season, tacked to the linen andchanged at need. The Amice signifies the "Helmet of Salvation" and is also said to representthe cloth with which our Blessed Lord was blindfolded in the hall of Caiaphas.

[30] 3. The Alb is a long, white linen Vestment without fulness and with narrow sleeves. Ittouches the floor, and is drawn in at the waist by a linen girdle. It is sometimes enriched by

Apparels, two oblong pieces of embroidered silk of the color of the season attached to thelower part of the Vestment, one in front and the other behind. The Alb signifies the Purityrequired by the Priesthood, and it represents the white robe in which our Lord was arrayed byHerod.

4. The Girdle is a cord about half an inch in diameter, and three or four yards long, crochetedor woven of coarse linen thread or cotton, and the ends finished with tassels or heavy knots. Itrepresents the rope with which our Lord was bound, and signifies the Righteousness of thePriesthood, (Isaiah xi. 5.)

5. The Stole follows the color of the season. It should be longer than a preaching Stole, and isusually about three yards long, including the fringe, and should be crossed over the breast,being kept in place by the Girdle. The Stole signifies the yoke of obedience to Christ.

6. The Maniple corresponds with the Stole, of which it is a miniature. It is a little narrower thanthe Stole, and about three feet six inches long. It hangs upon the left wrist of the Priest, and isfastened by a loop in the middle to a button on the upper part of the cuff of the Alb sleeve. TheStole [30/31] and Maniple represent the cord with which our Blessed Lord was bound.

7. The Chasuble is the last Vestment put on by the Celebrant. It is a species of mantle which, inthe primitive Church, was circular in shape, but it is now usually pointed at the bottom bothbefore and behind, and it has no opening except for the head. It represents the seamless robe ofChrist, and like it signifies the Unity of the Church and the all-embracing Charity of theRedeemer. The Chasuble also represents the purple robe with which our Lord was clothed inmockery, and is, therefore, a suitable Vestment for the Priest to wear when commemoratingHis sacred Passion and Death.

The Chasuble may be of linen or silk, or any other material. Unless of linen it should follow thecolor of the season. It is usually ornamented with Orphreys, i.e., strips of material from three tofour inches wide, put on in the shape of what is called a Y Cross, both in front and behind. Themain line of the Cross extends down the middle from the neck to the bottom of the Chasuble;the arms, springing from the breast in front and a corresponding point at the back, slopeupward and meet on the shoulders. The Orphreys are generally richly embroidered either theentire length or at the intersection of the arms of the Cross.

Sometimes the Cross is put only on the back of the Chasuble, the front being ornamented witha [31/32] straight strip of material, embroidered, called a Pillar.

The linen Chasuble may be merely hemmed around the edge, if great simplicity be desired.The Orphreys may be indicated by a line of chain stitching only, but the effect is improved by afloriated cross, or monogram, at the intersection of the arms of the Cross.

The Chasuble is the Eucharistic Vestment and should never be worn at any other service. If theCelebrant takes off his Chasuble before the sermon, to resume it again directly afterwards, helays it upon the Epistle side of the Altar. The Chasuble is the only ornament of the Priest whichit is permitted to lay upon the Altar.

Each set of Vestments should have its own Burse and Chalice Veil.

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[33] BY-LAWS

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I. NAME, MEMBERSHIP, AND OBJECTS

This Association shall be known as "The Altar Guild of . . . ." and shall consist of active,associate, and honorary members. The active members shall be women communicants of theChurch of . . . . and those desirous of becoming communicants. Associate and honorarymembers may be elected by a vote of a majority of all the active members; and the honorarymembers shall not be liable for dues or fees of any kind. The Clergy of the Parish shall be exofficio, honorary members.

The objects of the Guild shall be:

1. To provide for the suitable furnishing and decorations of the Altar and to take due andreverent care of its appointments.

2. To furnish and care for the vestments of its ministers, both clerical and lay.

3. To keep the Font in order, and to have a general charge and oversight of the propercleansing of the Church.

[34] II. OFFICERS.

The officers of the Guild shall be:A Directress;A Sub-Directress;A Treasurer;A Secretary; andA Committee of Management composed of five active members, of whom the Directress shallex officio be one.

These officers shall be elected annually on or within the octave of the anniversary day of theGuild.

III. THE DIRECTRESS AND SUB-DIRECTRESS.

The Directress shall convene and preside at all meetings, both of the Guild and the Committeeof Management. In the absence of the Directress, the Sub-Directress shall take the chair, and,failing the presence of these officers, a member of the Committee of Management shall bechosen to preside. The Directress shall from time to time report the general proceedings of theGuild to the Rector of the Parish.

IV. THE TREASURER.

The Treasurer shall keep accurate account [34/35] of all moneys received and paid out, andshall report to the Guild, at each monthly meeting, the exact condition of its financial affairs.On All Saints' Day (or day chosen for the anniversary day) she shall make a detailed statementof the condition of the funds and effects of the Guild; and shall render an account of all sumsreceived and expended by or on account of the Guild since the last annual report. She shallreceive from the Guild the necessary postage and stationery for her work, and shall notifyquarterly those members who fail to pay their monthly dues.

V. THE SECRETARY.

The Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of the transactions of the Guild; shall preserve therecords and papers belonging to the same; shall give notice of all meetings; shall notify officersand members of their election; shall keep a correct list of all the members of the Guild, itsofficers and committees; shall keep an accurate list of all the furniture of the Altar, and of thevestments, both clerical and lay; and shall perform such other duties pertaining to her office asthe Guild may direct. The Guild shall provide the necessary postage and stationery for thework of the Secretary.

[36] VI. THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT.

The Committee of Management shall assist the Directress with their counsel and shall be activein practically carrying out the objects and instructions of the Guild.

VII. MEETINGS

A regular meeting of the Guild shall be held on . . . . at . . . . P.M. The Directress, or in herabsence the Sub-Directress, may call meetings at any time, of which the Secretary shall givedue notice. Five active members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business,except the election of new members. At every meeting before commencing business thepresiding officer shall repeat the invocation, "In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and ofthe Holy Ghost;" the collect, "Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Thy most graciousfavour, and further us with Thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, andended in Thee, we may glorify Thy holy Name, and finally, by Thy mercy, obtain everlastinglife; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Followed by the Lord's prayer, in which allmembers present shall join.

[37] An annual meeting of the Guild shall be held on the anniversary day or within its octave,for the election of officers, including a Committee of Management; for hearing reports, and forthe transaction of such other business as may be necessary.

VIII. THE FUNDS OF THE GUILD.

The funds of the Guild shall consist of the dues and doles of the active and associate members,and of voluntary offerings from any person. Every active and associate member shall make avoluntary offering upon the anniversary day, and shall pay to the Treasurer . . . cents at eachmonthly meeting. All moneys so paid in, and all special and voluntary gifts of money for anypurpose, shall be paid to the Treasurer, and in all cases shall be enclosed in an envelopemarked "For the Altar Guild," and placed by her in the alms basin at the first regular offertorythereafter; said envelope to be returned to her by the Parish Treasurer. Special gifts may also beoffered by the donor in an envelope marked as above, to be returned to the Treasurer of theGuild by the Parish Treasurer.

IX. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GUILD.

The Guild shall be responsible only for [37/38] expenses incurred under the direction of theCommittee of Management, and duly approved by the Directress.

X. DECORATION OF THE ALTAR.

No special donations shall be used, or individual taste exercised, in the ornamentation or

decoration of the Altar, Sanctuary, Chancel, Font, or Choristers without the consent of theRector.

XI. AMENDMENTS.

These By-laws shall not be amended, added to, or rescinded, unless with the consent of theRector and a majority of the active members at a regular meeting of the Guild.

XII. ORDER OF BUSINESS.

The regular order of business shall be as follows:

1. Opening devotions.2. Calling the roll.3. Reading the minutes.4. Report of the Treasurer.5. Report of the Committee of Management.6. Report of Special Committees.7. Election of new members.8. Unfinished and miscellaneous business.

[39] PRAYERS WHICH MAY BE SAID BY THE MEMBERSOF AN ALTAR GUILD.

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ALMIGHTY and merciful God, of whose only gift it cometh that Thy faithful people do untoThee true and laudable service, Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may so faithfully serve Theein this life, that we fail not finally to attain Thy heavenly promises; through the merits of JesusChrist our Lord. Amen.

GRANT, O Lord, that there may be in me and in every member of the Guild, a love of thetruth, a pure mind, a clean heart, right judgment, and ghostly strength, that having finished ourcourse and run the race that is set before us we may be received into Thine EverlastingKingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O GOD, forasmuch as without Thee we are not able to please Thee; mercifully grant that ThyHoly Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

AN EASTER THOUGHT.BY JOSEPHINE SMITH WOOD.

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In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.--St. John i. 4.

The splendor of the setting sun With blessing shines on labor done; With no regret dies day from sight Into the calm, sweet peace of night, For consciousness that it shall rise, And glory once more fill its skies. The light of day through night is still Following the sun, his way and will;

The light is ever shining onThe earth that turning seeks the sun.

Ah! may the Sun of Righteousness,My labors o'er, my dying bless;And when the light has left my day,And in death's night my form shall stay, Then may my soul still keep in sightHer living Source, her King's fair light, And follow on the heavenly rayTill lost in bliss of "perfect day,"That ever lasts, is ever bright,Where soul and body reunite,Resplendent in that land of love,Where dwells the Lamb, "the light thereof."

--The Living Church.

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