[167] Some of the subterranean and other small chambers in churches, supposed to be chantries or mortuary chapels, have probably been used as vestries. The following is extracted from Neal and Webb's edition of Durandus:—"On eache side of this chancelle peradventure (for so fitteth it beste) should stand a turret; as it were for two ears, and in these the belles to be hanged, to calle the people to service, by daie and by night. Undre one of these turrets is there commonly a vaulte, whose doore openeth into the quiere, and in this are laid up the hallowed vesselles, and ornamentes, and other utensils of the churche. We call it a vestrie."—Fardle of Facions. Printed 1555.
[168] Early examples of these chests for containing the parish records may be found in most old churches. Frequently they are of very rude design, and the box is formed of a single block of wood strongly bound with iron hoops. Sometimes, however, they are richly carved, as in the churches of Clymping, Sussex; Luton, Bedfordshire; and Faversham, Kent. The proper place for the parish chest is the vestry, but it is not unfrequently to be found in some other part of the church. We often meet with several large chests of common deal in various parts of the church containing useless papers and other rubbish. The sooner these are swept away the better.
[169] See pages [85 and 86] for a description of some of these vestments.
[170] It is always lawful, and almost always desirable, to hold "vestry" meetings in some hall or room in the parish, and not in the church vestry.
[171] Eph. ii. 20.
[172] Pugin's True Principles of Architecture.
[173] Durandus.
[174] 1 Pet. ii. 5.
[175] Col. iii. 14.
[176] John x. 9.