English Use

I was just wondering how many of us actually use English rather than Roman ceremonial (in one form or another) in our churches.

We are predominantly Roman, with the occasional English practice thrown in.

My personal preference would be to follow the English Use, supplemented by Roman Use where this makes sense. Quite good liturgy can be done this way. There is the possibility that we may be using the true Lenten colour next year, rather than this imperial purple that seems to have found its way into the English Church, (and even recommended by Common Worship!)

This pleases me.

There seems to be increasing use at my church also, of the alb (or at least cassock albs of the tasteful variety; i.e., no velcro or zip-up fronts) in place of the cotta. The white robe is the garment of salvation, the symbol of our Baptism into the Royal priesthood of Christ's Church. Having it foreshortened says the same as having the font half empty for a Baptism. It just doesn't make sense.

So, are there any English Use parishes out there?

Do tell.

Michael, Sacristan, S John Chrysostom, Victoria Park. 

REPLIES

17/3/03 from David Froud

I wonder what you mean by "English" usage? One example that springs to mind is the recital of the Apostle's Creed in Morning and Evening Prayer by standing and facing East. There is no instruction to this effect in the Prayer Book. It is just an Established English custom.

You might also consider the wearing of red cassocks by servers and English peculiarity. It is the 'proper' of the Royal peculiars but has been adopted by many churches for festivals and non-ferial times. I personally hate this term ordinary time!

Just a few ideas to spark off the brethren and sisterhood 

17/3/03 from Fr. Martin Hislop

I suggest that there is no such thing as English Usage and never has there been such a thing. There was once a Sarum Usage as there was a Hereford Usage as there was (and remains) a Mozarabic Rite and an Ambrosian Rite - all within the Western (Catholic) Church.

It would sadden me if the advocacy of some English Usage arose from any element of anti-Romanism. I do not count myself as crypto-papalist. In fact I find most of the modern roman ceremonial and liturgy pedestrian and banal.

I do not approve of the creeping popularity of cass-albs for servers as it only gives greater encouragement to the confusion between the royal priesthood of all baptised (not believers!) and the ordained priesthood. I am equally disapproving of modern roman practice of eucharistic assistants wandering up to assist with the Chalice in street clothes.

The combination of black cassock and white cotta or surplice gives emphasis to the reality of our sins (black) covered by God's Salvation (white).

There are many practices within Anglicanism that are worthy and seemly and should be encouraged but I do not believe we should be seeking to create some new little Englander approach.

There remains, however, one aspect of practice by some Guild members that sets me off and that is the pretension to wear red/scarlet cassocks. This colour is reserved to those who serve one of Her Majesty's royal peculiars and servers (and choir members) should realise and respect this privilege.

Fr Martin Hislop S.Luke's Kingston upon Thames (Chapter of the Incarnate Word)

17/3/03 from Guy Bennett-Hunter

I wonder could anyone clarify for me the main differences between English and Roman 'use'? I have heard about them in passing, but never had a full explanation of what they are and how they differ from each other.

Guy Bennett-Hunter, S. Justus Chapter. 

18/3/03 from Roger Smith

Dear Michael 
As sacristan of a very English parish church I am delighted that purple ( royal or otherwise ) has returned to it's rightful place in Lent. I am sure sack cloth is right for certain kinds of churches and as long as it is not mine I am more than happy for you to have it. Albs also are fine ( under copes) but we still prefer our cotta's. Plain in Lent and plenty of lace for high days. Both the above have been fought for ,long and hard and I for one am delighted to see them ( officially ) flourish.

Roger J Smith, Sacristan St John Timberhill Norwich. 

19/3/03 from Terry Delaney

The essence of good serving is that the server should be dressed discreetly in plain cotta during the normal church seasons with possibly a small lace edging during the festive seasons of the church, not a ladies chemise that is 2 foot long. the cassock should always be black unless it is a royal peculiar.

We are servants of the sanctuary not the stars, we should not detract attention from the celebrant by our dress and manner with movement in the sanctuary in restricted to the minimum and should be measured and not a racing certainty.

Maybe we should return to the old festive reference of Red Letter days, first class and double of the first class.

As to the colours of the church's year they should remain the same with black to be used at funerals. There are too many gimmicky vestments which is made for convenience of the clergy and detract from the actual liturgical meaning that they represent of Our Lords death and passion.

Terry Delaney An old fashioned server retired 

19/3/03 from Michael Johnson

Hello all,

I'm sorry I haven't been online to reply sooner.

David, your dislike for the term 'Ordinary Time' I find somewhat odd. This is the time of the liturgical year when we are in no particular season, but the mystery of Christ is celebrated week by week. As there is no season as such to give this time a name, it is numbered. i.e.: nth Sunday After Trinity or before Lent. It is called 'Ordinary', not because it is not special in any way, but because it is numbered.

Guy, the English Use is, admittedly, a made-up term, pioneered by the great Fr Percy in 'The Parson's Handbook'.

As Fr Martin has pointed out, there was never an 'English' Use, but prior to the sixteenth century and all that it brought, various liturgical and ceremonial traditions that were adopted by many Cathedrals, and often, the dioceses as well. There were some clear trends that carried across diocesan boundaries. Some of the most simple, and more obvious practices were the English processional order, virgers, apparelled vesture. A lot of this is more simple and beautiful as a result. Some it seems not to make sense, such as the thurifer leaving after the Offertory Rite, and not returning for the Canon; but all in all, it seems to make a lot more sense than importing Roman practice for use in rites of the Anglican Church.

I must admit to not being the greatest fan of the cotta, Roger. Upon my return home, I shall try to find a delightful quote I came across, where Fr Percy expresses his view of these things.

Pax,

Michael, S Chrysostom's. 

19/3/03 from David Froud

I disagree with your concept of ordinary time. It is a stupid introduction of the same genre as "negative degree of success" instead of failure! The system laid out in the Prayer Book has 2 functions. 1. It reminds people of important feast or festivals that have just passed "after Easter; after Epiphany; after Trinity" "Sundays in Advent/ Lent" or exceptionally to come as in the gesimas. 2. It reminds people that this is purportedly a Christian country. Your only need to listen to the answers on quiz shows, or ask most school children, to see the ignorance of major festivals like Easter, Whitsun, the Ascension.

We must try to spread the Faith not obscure it with the euphemisms. Let us be unobstructive in our serving but ACTIVE in our ministry. 

20/3/03 from Andre Jepps

It has been interesting to read the different views on English use. My own view is that it should be according to the local custom, as it would be impossible that every church used exactly the same rite. I have been a Server since 1962 and the alb and the amice have been used since then, with amice having a coloured apparrel according to the season. The purple vestments certainly were used during lent. A cotta and cassock can be used if it is preferred. 

From:- Andre Epps, Chapter of St Swithun Winchester 

20/3/03 from Guy Bennett-Hunter

A question about cottas and the priest. Surely a surplice and scarf are properly worn by the priest at choir offices (eg. evensong) and the alb at the Eucharist. I therefore see no situation where the priest would wear a cotta (except occasionally (eg. stations)). What governs whether a cotta or surplice is worn and how does this fit into the debate about English and Roman use? 

20/3/03 from Michael Cridland

Its rather silly to talk about not importing Roman Practices into Anglican Liturgies. Look at the facts, prior to the 1860s standard ceremonial in the Church of England consisted of surplice and tippet worn by the celebrant at Holy Communion (except possibly cathedrals where a cope may have been worn) and a unadorned altar. In other words the ceremonial that we use was imported from Rome (as there was no other source)

The problem with Percy Dearmer and his "Parson's Handbook" is the feeling that he invented a lot of the practice he illustrates, and his tendency to be rather condescending in his tone towards Rome (a touch of English superiority)

Michael Cridland 

20/3/03 from Ed Bakker

I read Terry's comments with interest. I must confess that as active altar server I do prefer cassock, alb, girdle and amice ( marking the appropriate liturgical season ). I also prefer the Crucifer to wear a tunicle as well. 

When I moved from Christ Church, Brunswick, Melbourne to St. Michael & All Angels Church in Christchurch, New Zealand, there were some changes in store for me, i.e. all wear black cassock and cotta and a small edging of lace on the feast of the Holy Nativity and Easter. 

You mentioned the colours of the Church's year. At Brunswick during Lent, we had a Lenten-array and servers would wear a brown, sackcloth type amice and a brown girdle, whilst the amices the clergy wore, had a flower motiv on them as well. Now in Christchurch I am back to purple in Lent and quite happy with that. 

I am also in favour of traditional vestments, no gimmicks as such. Black for funerals, yes. 

Lenten blessings,

Ed Bakker

 

21/3/03 from Michael Johnson

Hello again all,

and many thanks for your replies. I cannot help but feel attracted to the use of blue during Advent, although I feel if purple were to be used, then this would be the time, and not Lent, when a simple austerity is to be preferred to a Regal colour, which could perhaps be saved for Passiontide.

Having said that, there are various shades, which convey different symbolism. I suppose one of my concerns is that the distinction between the regal purple of Advent, and the penitential purple of Lent may not be as apparent to others as it is to those of us who spend our time at 'the Holy End'.

Upon first hearing of it, I found quite odd, the 'English' suggestion of 'Crucifer, taperers, thurifer' as a processional order, as my understanding had always been that the thurifer censes the way for the Cross, and the light illuminate the Cross. However, having explained that int he English order, the incense and lights precede the priest (as the icon of Christ), I am quite happy with either way.

We have expressed views on English ceremonial. To change the tone slightly, what fun oddities has any of you come across as part of said ceremonial. I'm sure there is many a story of quaint practice, such as the removal of the Bambino for the Feast of the Holy Innocents, or doubling up on the number of thurifers for Christmass Day.

Do tell.

It is good to see you here, Ed. I haven't seen you on the Ship lately. I hope all is well.

Michael, S John Chrysostom, Victoria Park, Manchester 
 

21/3/03 from Eddie Bestwick

The smallest verse in the Bible is 'Jesus Wept'. I am sure he must be weeping at all the time correspondents are taking to argue who does what, with what, English or Roman use et alia. People are starving in this world...there is a another war going on...the Aids crisis in Africa is of horrendous proportions...the drug use in this country is appalling...the vast majority of our people do not know Jesus and have little idea of what even Christmas is really about...churches are closing..... Please stop wasting time on trivia and do the work Jesus asked us all to do..that now is the priority for all Christians including brethren of the GSS. 

Eddie Bestwick. Leicester 

 

22/3/03 from Fr. Martin Hislop

Before Eddie Bestwick is so quick to rush to judgement let him remember that this forum is an In-House locale for discussion on those "technical" matters for which the Guild exists. It is uncharitable for him to ascribe to Guild members the characteristic that they are wasting time or unconcerned by the very serious global issues or imperatives of evangelism. 

Fr. Martin Hislop

 

22/3/03 from Guy Bennett-Hunter

Eddie, I completely agree with you about the state of the world. It is our hope and duty as servers, however, to make the liturgy as spiritually effective as possible. We hope that by our symbolic actions in the liturgy, people may recognise their significance and act upon this. I have heard of people being converted to Christianity by the service of Benediction, having entered the church to shelter from the rain, and this is what we all hope all our ceremonial duties will ultimately lead to.

Ceremonial is not an end in itself, it doesn't pretend to be. But it is, and should be, a precursor to Christian behaviour and be a reminder to us of our calling as baptised believers to do Christ's will in the world. It's a shame that you see the GSS as wasting its time, because it also funds the training of priests and is not just about servers and serving but Christian values generally. I sincerely hope it's not the case that it's impossible for person to be a server, actively interested in the liturgy and, at the same time, someone who does the work Christ asks in many practical ways.

Guy Bennett-Hunter, S. Justus.



 

23/3/03 from Michael Johnson

I partake in discussions in a number of online discussion boards, some of them Christian. In the discussion threads concerning liturgical detail, it is always guaranteed that somebody will post, expressing sentiments not dissimilar to those Eddie has expressed here.

Apart from the possible positive effects of well-ordered liturgy outlined above, and although this is certainly not my primary purpose for engaging in such discussion, I am sure many here will agree that it is also fun.

I am certain that all of us who post here are fully aware that there are more important things with which to concern ourselves than where the thurifer stands in relation to the Crucifer, or the number of lights on the altar; but they do have their importance, and discussion about them provides relief in a world of tension. That is why I have started this particular thread to discuss such matters.

If Eddie wishes to discuss matters such as the unimportance of well-ordered worship of God, or other issues such as war, famine &c, perhaps he would care to make use of the link on the forum main page which would enable him to start a new discussion, rather than continue his attempt at derailing this one.

Back to the matter at hand:

The Dearmer Society (based at the College of the Resurretion, Mirfield) yesterday celebrated Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Egmanton. The Shrine Church is beautiful, and itself very English. The servers were albed, The altar was surrounded North, East and Soth by curtains; the thurifer was in the correct (ahem) place. The Mass was beautiul, and included a Catholicised version of 'To God be the glory'. I do like hymns that, hymns that reclaim good tunes with words that express sond theology. I have a few of these saved, and anybody caring for the words may ask the webmaster, who is fully at liberty to divulge, for my e-mail address.

Are there any other places like the Shrine Church at Egmanton, perhaps in the Greater Manchester area, where I may experience this sort of worship?

Michael S John Chrysostom, Manchester Diocese.

23/3/03 from Michael Cridland

My understanding is that violet is the correct liturgical color for Advent and Lent, as both are penitential seasons. Purple is not a liturgical color.

Michael Alan Cridland 

23/3/03 from Eddie Bestwick

Thanks to Fr Martin and Guy for their replies .. but previous correspondents included words 'stupid' and 'silly' in their text. I had just been watching the bombing of Iraq and felt that we should stress the other priorities. I too love some of the old ritual and music (as well as modern use) and it can be very uplifting but we can give the impression to others that we are pre-occupied! Perceptions are not always reality and I accept that. Thank you again. 

Eddie Bestwick 

5/4/03 from David Froud

As the person who used the word stupid, I would refer readers to the Oxford Shorter English Dictionary definition of the adjective: 3. Of an inanimate object: incapable of or lacking sensation or consciousness. 4. Uninteresting, tiresome, boring ... I feel this adequately described the word and certainly ordinary should never described Our Lord's Life (Advent to the Ascension) or the Church's teaching during the rest of the year.

There is one other point that I should like to make both on a personal basis and as a Councillor. This is the Guild of Servants of the Sanctuary of the Church of England. The C of E is part of the Universal (=Catholic) Church but the Act of Uniformity appears to have been abandoned. Suggested reading for those interested: What's the Use by Fr S. J. Forrest (2nd Vicar of St John's Watford) 'Oh, just the usual thing, you know;.. apart from these exceptions, just the ordinary thing.' Fr Forrest's book would answer many of the above queries and deserve a place next to the tomes on formularies! 

David Froud

19/8/03 from Anonymous

I've been ambling around the web - looking for the something on Our lady of egmanton, actually, when i found this discussion on the 'English Use'.  I find it quite odd that there should be so much ignorance of the subject.  The term 'English Use' may have been made up by Percy Dermer, however the details of his use were not.  they were 'nicked' from the publications and researches of the 'Alcuin Club' and such as Dr Wickham-Legg and Sir J N Comper.  'English use' was seen as neither 'Roman' or 'Protestant but uniquely national.  All of this was a response to the 'Ornaments Rubric in the BCP, which states that the only legal form of vestments and ornaments ie liturgical fittings were those in use in the second reign of Edward VI ie before the First BCP of 1549. By then the Sarum Rite was the only legal form of Mass in England and Wales, the other Rites such as York, Lincoln, Hereford and Bangor had been superceded.  To give a couple of brief examples; Lenten Array for the altars but the ministers should wear red chasubles, including the deacon and sub-deacon. Collects - this varied according to season with up to seven chanted during the mass during Trinty and after epiphany. I hope this has cleared some things up.  Go to ProjectCanterbury.com for an illustration.  Also helpful is the 'Chichester Customary' if you can get hold of a copy.

24/8/03 from Michael Johnson

Dear Anonymous,

Thank you for your helpful comments about the English Use. I was unaware that the English rites other than that of Salisbury had been superseded. The York Mass is also available on Project Canterbury, and I shall certainly look out for the 'Chichester Customary'. My regular bookshop is usually good in getting hold of second-hand things like this.

What exactly does it contain?

Yours in Christ,

Michael P D Johnson
Sacristan
Church of S John Chrysostom, Victoria Park

10/2/04 from Michael Johnson

Further to the discussion above, I have recently ordere the three volume publication which contains the rite as used as Westminster Abbey in the 14th century.

I eagerly await its arrival.

Also, further to the above reference to the Lenten Array of Westminster Abbey, a few examples of the Lenten Array at Primrose Hill may be viewed here:

http://www.smvph.org.uk/gallery.php?g=internal

Note especially the Rood veil.  All very edifying.

Yours in Christ,
Michael P D Johnson
Sacristan, Church of S John Chrysostom
http://www.stchrysostoms.co.uk

Angels stand by the priest: the whole order of Virtues crieth out: all the space about the Altar is filled with these heavenly Powers, in honour of Him who lieth thereon. - S John Chrysostom

18/5/04 from Gareth Jones

I for one prefer cottas and cassocks to Albs, simply because the cotta and cassock look a lot smarter. As a server in a welsh middle of the road church we wore cassock and surplice. I am bound to say that for all that cottas may have been fought for they still look truncated and surplices better. We should not forget that surplices and cottas are simply different styles of albs, so that in many ways we are free to choose the most appropriate.

Gareth Jones

13/12/04

I recommend Eamon Duffy's "Stripping of the Altars." I think it proves the existence of an English Approach or Use within the Latin Rite and the Drearmer was not dreaming.

Christ commaned Christians to baptize all nations of men -- not change Englishmen into Continentals. Surely English-Use Catholic Christianity is the orthodox, catholic imperative for the English-speaking peoples!

2/5/05 from Suz

I came across this page by accident as I was looking for essay research but something made me think and want to reply, it is in response to Eddie Bestwick I know it was a long time ago that that was posted but I would thought I would reply anyway.
I belong to the OEC I first went out of curiosity as it advertised it self as an open Church. What struck me was the way the service was served. to cut a long story short I am now an ordinand having to learn everything from serving to preaching. As my background is free church this has been a big hard training time. and I am still finding my way round the divine office, common prayer. and what to wear and when to wear it. but I am learning and if it was not for those traditions I don't think I would have stayed at the OEC let alone enter holy orders. I am grateful for all the different things I have to wear as it concentrates my mind, I just wished I knew more about when and how to wear them 
Suz

30/6/05 

Ah! The trappings of the garments have sparked a debate regarding what we should wear. In essence, the church has departed from scriptural guidelines about what clergy are to wear. Tradition and where the early church developed helped to evolve what is worn today. With this being said, we are in an evolution of the church all-be-it disgusting in many circles (IE the Episcopal Church of America), and we can not allow ourselves to be caught up in what is already a departure from scriptural guidelines. 

PAX

21/7/05  - Alex

There is an excellent book called "The Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite" written by Msgr Peter Elliott and published by Ignatius in 1994. In effect it is an updated and post Vatican II version of Fortescue & O'Connell's traditional "The Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described", which I think was last published in 1958. I would 
recommend Msgr Elliott's book to all MCs, senior servers and sacristans.

Msgr Elliott also wrote two other useful books. One is a supplement to the above, "Ceremonies of the Liturgical Year". The other is "Liturgical Question Box". All are published by Ignatius. 

For new servers, I have found that the best booklet is the "Altar Servers Missal" by Bp Thomas McMahon and published by McCrimmon. This gives a useful overview of vestments and vessels, along with serving itself, but at a level suitable for new servers without bamboozling them! Being a booklet, it is also inexpensive.

Best wishes

Alex.

17/10/07 - Canon John White

Does anyone know where I can buy a Lenten array chasuble etc in unbleached linen? 
Most Church suppliers don’t seem to know what I am talking about !!!! 
Canon John White

18/10/07 - B Walton

The simplest way is to find a dress maker and have one made - unbleached calico - red cross 
B.P.A. Walton GSS St Oswalds Chapter Chairman

18/10/07 - Peter

Try J Wippell & Co, Robemakers, Head Office, Buller Road, Exeter, Telephone 01392 254234, they will send a catalogue and price list on request. They also have offices in London and Manchester. 
With best wishes, 
Peter 
Gloucester Cathedral 

18/10/07 - Mrs. C. Hind

Dear Canon White, 
You may already have been given this same name a dozen times....but I cannot assume so . You could be well-advised to try Luzar Vestments ;their telephone number 01869 327535.... e.mail  Richard@LuzarVestments.co.uk  or their website www.LuzarVestments.co.uk. They also send out good catalogues. 
My late husband Canon Stanley Hind bought a few lovely quality and immaculate things from them, including a glorious cream silk brocade stole with silk flowers and gold cross; very 1920`s/30`s,to use when he married our grandson to his bride in Dorchester Abbey last summer ( 2006 ). 
I grieve to say that Stanley died this July . 
I hope the advice proves useful and I believe that if anyone knows what you want it will be this firm; so if they haven`t what you need in stock, they may be aware of who has. 
Yours, 
( Mrs ) C.A.Hind.

18/10/07 - Ed Bakker

Blessings of the day John + 
Christian greetings from New Zealand. 
What you are looking for is still being used by Christ Church Anglican Church, Brunswick, Melbourne, where I served as a Subdeacon 6 years ago. If you direct your query to the Parish Priest , currently Fr.Robert, he might be able to give you an idea where they acquired these items from E-Mail contact address is : ccb@vicnet.net.au 
Yours in Christ, 
Ed Bakker A/SSM 
Postulant  TAC New Zealand 

19/10/07 - Ruth Longhurst

My team vicar suggests this lady, Mary Collings 01473 726673 of Ipswich as one we have used in the past, as we have a Lenten set that could match what you are looking for?
Ruth Longhurst
St Francis Ipswich

22/10/07

Unbleached linen not available these days Second hand may be!
Would need to use a substitute material
Mary Collings of Ipswich see her ad in this weeks Church Times