The term "vestry" does not appear in the Bible; however, it is a concept that has developed within the Christian tradition, particularly in the context of church architecture and governance. A vestry is a room or space within a church building designated for the clergy and sometimes the choir to prepare for services. It often serves as a place to store vestments, sacred vessels, and other liturgical items. In some traditions, the vestry also functions as a meeting room for church leaders.

Historical Context and Development

The concept of a vestry has its roots in the early Christian church, where spaces were set aside for the preparation of clergy and the storage of sacred items. As church architecture evolved, particularly during the medieval period, the vestry became a standard feature in many church buildings. It was often located near the chancel or sanctuary to provide easy access for clergy during services.

Function and Use

In many Christian denominations, the vestry serves multiple purposes:

1. Preparation for Worship: Clergy use the vestry to don their liturgical vestments before services. This practice is rooted in the biblical tradition of wearing special garments for worship, as seen in the instructions given to the priests in the Old Testament. For example, Exodus 28:2 states, "Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor."

2. Storage of Sacred Items: The vestry often houses items used in worship, such as communion vessels, altar linens, and liturgical books. This ensures that these items are kept in a place of respect and are readily available for services.

3. Church Governance: In some Anglican and Episcopal traditions, the term "vestry" also refers to a governing body of lay members who assist in the administration of the parish. This group, often elected by the congregation, works alongside the clergy to oversee church operations, finances, and property.

Biblical Principles

While the Bible does not specifically mention vestries, the principles of order, preparation, and reverence in worship are evident throughout Scripture. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of order in worship in 1 Corinthians 14:40 : "But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner." The vestry, as a place of preparation and organization, aligns with this biblical principle by facilitating orderly worship.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

The vestry holds symbolic significance as a place of transition from the secular to the sacred. It is where clergy prepare themselves spiritually and physically to lead the congregation in worship. This preparation reflects the biblical call to holiness and readiness in serving God, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16 : "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

In summary, while the vestry is not a biblical term, its functions and symbolism are deeply rooted in biblical principles of worship, preparation, and reverence. It serves as a vital space within the church, supporting both the practical and spiritual aspects of Christian worship and governance.1. (n.) A room appendant to a church, in which sacerdotal vestments and sacred utensils are sometimes kept, and where meetings for worship or parish business are held; a sacristy; -- formerly called revestiary.

2. (n.) A parochial assembly; an assembly of persons who manage parochial affairs; -- so called because usually held in a vestry.

3. (n.) A body, composed of wardens and vestrymen, chosen annually by a parish to manage its temporal concerns.

VESTRY

ves'-tri (meltachah): Once, in 2 Kings 10:22, as a place for vestments.

4458. meltachah -- probably wardrobe, wearing apparel
... vestry. From an unused root meaning to spread out; a wardrobe (ie Room where clothing
is spread) -- vestry. 4457, 4458. meltachah. 4459 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/4458.htm - 6k

Index.
... INDEX. TO THE DIRECTIONS TO CHURCH-WARDENS. ABSENTEES, bound by majority at vestry,
32., 33, 49. ... Memorandums. of resolutions at vestry, 33, and 49, in not. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/prideaux/directions to church-wardens/index 2.htm

Hymns for the Use of the People Called Methodists
... Under the rostrum was the vestry, and through a trap door in the rostrum
floor the preacher climbed from the vestry to his place. ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/hymns for the use of.htm

"Offer it Now unto Thy Governor. " Malachi i. 8
... Look into this vestry! ... His work is to speak to large audiences, and he would be
very much offended if the vestry were prepared for his service. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxviii offer it now unto.htm

Footnotes:
... The old brass plate, now preserved in the vestry of St. Peter's, Cornhill,
is 'the old one revived': except in some of the details ...
/.../footnotes .htm

What are Evidences of Backsliding in Heart.
... We had been holding a meeting with inquirers in the vestry, and I had just dismissed
the inquirers, when this young lady came to me in great agitation and ...
/.../finney/the backslider in heart/iii what are evidences of.htm

The Backslider in Heart.
... We had been holding a meeting with inquirers in the vestry, and I had just dismissed
the inquirers, when this young lady, came to me in great agitation, and ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xxi the backslider in.htm

The Founding of Herrnhut, 1722-1727.
... The Count's family pew in the Church was a small gallery or raised box over the
vestry; the box had a trap-door in the floor; the pastor, according to Lutheran ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iii the founding of.htm

Acknowledgments
... duty of expressing my thanks to Mr. Charles P. Taft, the Junior Warden of Christ
Church, Cincinnati, for writing the foreword; to the Vestry of Trinity Church ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/acknowledgments.htm

A Foreword
... He asked me to serve on the Vestry, and somehow made me feel that nothing
except being really sick was an excuse for not being there. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/a foreword.htm

The Converted Infidel
... Among the many children who knelt as penitents at the altar in the little vestry,
one bright beautiful Lord's Day, were Sarah Lowe and her brother and sister. ...
/.../touching incidents and remarkable answers to prayer/the converted infidel.htm

Vestry (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) A parochial assembly; an assembly of persons who manage parochial affairs;
-- so called because usually held in a vestry. ...VESTRY. ...
/v/vestry.htm - 7k

Vestments (3 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). 2 Kings 10:22 And he said unto him that was over the vestry,
Bring forth vestments for all the worshippers of Baal. And ...
/v/vestments.htm - 7k

Vests (6 Occurrences)

/v/vests.htm - 7k

Worshipers (12 Occurrences)
... (WBS NAS RSV). 2 Kings 10:22 And he said to him that was over the vestry,
Bring forth vestments for all the worshipers of Baal. And ...
/w/worshipers.htm - 10k

Worshippers (45 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV). 2 Kings 10:22 He said to him who was over the vestry, "Bring
out robes for all the worshippers of Baal!" He brought robes out to them. ...
/w/worshippers.htm - 19k

Ministers (49 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 2 Kings 10:22 He said to him who was over the vestry, "Bring out robes
for all the worshippers of Baal!" He brought robes out to them. (See NIV). ...
/m/ministers.htm - 21k

Ba'al (55 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 2 Kings 10:22 He said to him who was over the vestry, "Bring out robes
for all the worshippers of Baal!" He brought robes out to them. (See RSV). ...
/b/ba'al.htm - 22k

Keeper (72 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 2 Kings 10:22 He said to him who was over the vestry, "Bring out robes for
all the worshippers of Baal!" He brought robes out to them. (See NIV). ...
/k/keeper.htm - 30k

Robes (124 Occurrences)
... (BBE NIV). 2 Kings 10:22 He said to him who was over the vestry, "Bring out robes
for all the worshippers of Baal!" He brought robes out to them. (WEB BBE NIV). ...
/r/robes.htm - 39k

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