WHAT IS A VESTRY IN THE WORLDWIDE ANGLICAN CHURCH? The vestry room is a space within the Church where the Clergy and sometimes other Church Leaders prepare for services, store vestments, and keep liturgical items. Here’s a bit more detail about the vestry room: Clergy Preparation: The vestry serves as a changing room for Clergy and other Ministers before they lead services. This is where they put on their liturgical vestments, such as stoles, chasubles, or surplices, depending on the denomination and the liturgy. Storage of Liturgical Items: It’s also where items used in worship are stored, including the chalice (used for Communion), patens, altar linens, bibles, and other sacred objects. Sacramental Supplies: The vestry often holds supplies like the Holy Oil for anointing, bread and wine for Communion, and candles that may be used during services. Church Records and Administration: In some Churches, the vestry room doubles as an office space for administrative work. Important church records, such as baptism, marriage, and funeral registers, may be stored there. Meetings of the Vestry (Governing Body): In many Anglican Churches, the Vestry (the governing body) meets in the vestry room to discuss matters related to the administration and maintenance of the Church. Historical Significance: In some older Churches, the vestry room might have historical or architectural importance, with beautiful stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, or inscriptions that reflect the church’s history and traditions. The vestry is often located near the altar or sacristy, making it convenient for clergy to prepare right before a service. It's a practical space that's essential to the functioning of the Church, but it may also hold deep symbolic meaning as a place of prayer and preparation for those who serve during worship. [Worldwide] Anglican Church 2026