Altar Guilds, as known to the Episcopal Church, did not become a formalized body until the nineteenth century. The history of its development goes back to the time of the apostles. In the early days of the Church, followers of Christ gathered in private homes to break bread together and to share their memories of Him. Presumably, the head of the household provided whatever was required for the meal. As the Christian population increased substantially, larger buildings in which to meet were required. Certain people were given the ministry of caring for these places, the worshipers themselves providing the food for the meal. Food was also being set aside to take to those in more remote areas and circumstances which did not allow them to be part of corporate worship, for example the shut ins and the poor. By the fourth century, parish ministry had been generally established, and for hundreds of years to follow the ordained clergy referred to as sacristans were responsible for maintaining all the paraphernalia of worship, for preparing for the services, and for doing the Church housekeeping as well.
In the Church of England, beginning in the sixteenth century, altar care was also the task of ordained clergy such as the sacristan and the verger, who was not ordained, in the cathedral and the cleric in the parish. Years later, laymen became the sacristans and eventually, in the nineteenth century, women were included in this ministry as assistants to sacristans. By the turn of the twentieth century, women were beginning to organize into Altar Guilds, and in most parts of the United States they assumed the sacristan’s duties themselves. Until the 1970s this channel was the only one through which they could serve God at the altar. Now, however, men are taking part in increasing numbers, as once again the decoration of the Church and preparation for worship is becoming a joint ministry of all the baptized. [Reference: “The Altar Guild Handbook – The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd,” Venice, Florida]
A "flower guild" is not a historical guild in the traditional sense of medieval Europe, but rather a modern concept primarily found within churches, where a group of volunteers, often called a "Flower Guild," dedicate themselves to arranging flowers for religious services, with roots in the long-standing practice of using flowers for decoration in worship spaces, particularly during special occasions like Christmas and Easter. Guilds gained more prominence in recent centuries as flower arranging became a more recognized art form, with individuals forming dedicated groups to manage this aspect of church decor within their parishes. The main purpose of a flower guild is to create and maintain floral arrangements for church services, altars, and special events, adding beauty and symbolism to the worship space. Members of a flower guild are typically volunteers who contribute their time and skills to arrange flowers, on a rotating basis. Just like the Altar Guild, the Flower guild can also serve as a way for church members to connect and participate in the beautification of their worship space as they come together in planning, arranging, and sharing fellowship with each other.
The Altar Guild serves the Church under the direction of the Rector. As an Altar Guild member, it is an honor to be in the sanctuary and prepare the altar for the Lord’s Table. The ministry of the Altar Guild is to:
• Prepare for
the worship services of the parish as directed by the clergy
• Provide for
suitable furnishings for the altar and other liturgical appointments and to
take due and reverent care of them
• Care for the
vestments of the clergy and other ministers
• Keep the area
around the altar swept
• Protect and
reverently provide for the consecrated elements of the Eucharist
• Check silver
for fingerprints and polish when needed
• Dust pews and put books in order.
Those joining our Altar Guild will be receive hands-on instruction from experienced Altar Guild members. You will be a member of a regularly rotating group responsible for the complete set up and take down of the altar for your assigned service, meeting before Sunday to prepare for Sunday services and then immediately following each Sunday service. You will be assigned to one of four teams who will each serve three months during the year. Being on the Altar Guild is a labor of love; but it is also a time of fellowship and joy.
With the recent death of Becki Shamblen and those who have served for many years (decades for some) feeling the need to step down, our Altar Guild is at a crossroads. As we begin the process of reorganizing, we are truly in need of new members. If you are interested in joining one of our teams, or if you would just like more information about being an Altar Guild member, please contact Diana Skelton (757-897-7395).
If you enjoy working with flower and would be willing to share your creative talents on one of our flower guild teams, or if you want to learn more about flower arranging, please contact BoBo Smith (757-927-7453).
