From the Latin virga, meaning rod, a virge is a staff carried by a verger in procession. A virge is akin to the ceremonial mace carried before civic and ecclesiastical dignitaries.
Just in case you didn’t know… a verger is a member of the laity who works under the direction of the Rector to assist with the organization and operation of religious services in the Church of England, the Episcopal Church in the United States, the Anglican Church of Canada, and worldwide throughout the Anglican Communion.
The office of verger has a history dating to the twelfth century. Vergers have been responsible for the order and upkeep of the church buildings, its furnishings, and sacred relics, conduct of the laity, preparations for liturgy, and discreetly shepherding the clergy through the details of the service. There is also evidence that they had grave-digging responsibilities. A verger can also be seen as a bodyguard, of sorts, especially when processing clergy through a crowd. The virge is reminiscent of a flail.
I made and carried this virge several years ago when I was a verger at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Snellville, Georgia. When not being carried my virge rests quietly in its own little stand!
An Unplugged Woodworker 
Ron. I would like to explore the possibility of having a new virge made. What is your email address? Thank you.
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Thank you for your inquiry. My email is ronaylor@aol.com
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Do you still make and sell your virges?
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I’ve only made the one, but yes, it is for sale. Virge and stand $200.
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Hi Ron, it looks like parts of the staff may be painted or is it just stained? I am just starting my search but I do like yours. My email is thomallen2@yahoo.com. Is it possible to send me a photos so that I can see it better?
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Hi Ron. I too would like images of the virge and stand. I am interested in a new virge; however, would need a different top, which I have an image of. Thank you.
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David, I have only made one Virge (as shown). This virge is approximately 34 inches in length. The stand has a footprint of 7 inches square and is 16 inches high. Please note that I no longer take commissions. Sorry.
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Where did you find the standard/normal dimensions for the virge you made. I would like to make some but am having trouble finding specifics. Can it be longer than 34”? Less may be too short? Is there a minimum/maximum length? Minimum/maximum diameter? Weight?
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Hi. There are no standards regarding dimensions. Each to his own. However, if a virge is as tall/long as the one carrying it, that is called a Beddels Pole. I prefer a virge about 3′ long +/-. Too short and it isn’t comfortable to carry over the shoulder or visible in procession. The weight all depends on what type of wood and size of the top you choose.
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Thanks for answering.
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The virge is akin to a ceremonial mace. There are no standard specs. Thanks for asking.
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Yes, we have one a previous verger had made and it really is more of a mace. Very large and heavy; almost a dining table leg. Most virges I see being used are more like straight canes with a cross or other decorative ornament on the end. I am thinking of making some for our church; we have 3 vergers. We have a dead oak and a dead mesquite tree on the property that I am going to harvest wood from to make the virges. Thanks again.
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That sounds like a great idea. Godspeed!
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