Choir Robes

In the early days, up to the late 50s, Baptist pastors in Canada wore striped trousers, waistcoats and black suit jackets with tails. This was regular Sunday morning dress, many also wore Geneva gowns. This gradually changed with younger men assuming ministry. The tails were dropped and eventually regular suits were worn

I was used to the clergy collar from the military and just continued with that fashion. I did vary from time to time, wearing a regular suit and tie, especially when churches strongly objected to the clergy collar.

Choir gowns were the norm.

Cheers,

Jim

 

I hate choir robes. They are un-Biblical! Where in the Bible does it say that choirs have to wear robes?

Actually, I'm not a personal fan of having to wear one. The last time I had to wear one when I sang in a choir I remember burning up every Sunday. But, they do add a dignity and uniformity to a choir that is pleasing.

 

We have a choir, but not every Sunday. They do a cantada at Christmas and Easter. No choir robes for us. I wouldn't be against them in a Church, but I would be against wearing a collar. Just my preference I guess.:love2::jesus:

 

Robed clergy and choir, in my thought, removes the "class barrier" for people in the pews, or at least minimizes it. If all I can afford to wear are jeans to a worship service, then so what, the pastor and choir are in "uniform" for the occasion and I am there to worship. That is, at least how it plays out in my local setting.

What is the "attire" appropriate for a Pastor in the pulpit? Is it a suit? That is the "normative attire" of a business man; brothers and sisters, I am no business man. In the pulpit the highest degree of solemnity toward the task at hand is appropriate. So , I wear the Geneva robe of the reformation era with seasonal stole, and yes I am staunchly evangelical and fervent in the pulpit... www.chrissurber.com

I understand that some think this wreaks of "formality" and a "clergy class" or something of the sort but I think it does the opposite. I know a police officer by his uniform, so I am compelled that the high office of the pulpit and the sacrifice of worship of the choir warrant a little bit of "distinction."

Also, while many scoff at the notion of ceremony, it is ceremony which engages the senses in worship and can further push us into heartfelt, reverent, genuine worship. I have worshiped with the Greek Orthodox at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, and I can attest to the reality of the incense, the chanting, and the power of these things to engage the heart and rend the flesh to the very marrow in worship.

I and my choir are robed in worship.

 

"I cannot believe in a God who finds any satisfaction in the Ritualistic services which I have witnessed. I have asked myself, "What kind of a being must he be who could find pleasure in this sort of thing?" Thought is disgusted, reason sickened, intellect provoked, contemplation annoyed, only a florid taste and a childish love of display are gratified. The God of these Popish ceremonialists must surely be a huge, almighty doll-loving baby; but certainly not an intelligent being, such as Scripture reveals to us in the God that made heaven and earth. Alas, the frivolous sons of men imagine, because they go to their operas and listen to sweet music, and because in their drawing rooms they delight in the perfume which they scatter from their handkerchiefs, and because they are pleased to array themselves in silk and satin and the like, that God is like themselves, and is pleased with chants, and robes, and incense. Truly, the God they make is like themselves." —Charles Spurgeon, Golden Vials Full of Odours

 

Jerome, somehow I don't think Spurgeon was referring to the simple wearing of choir robes. And, if you are using it to apply your opinion to the subject you are way over the top.

 

"No man can be a Christian without being a controversialist." - Charles Haddon Spurgeon

 

==Yes, and they are green.

 

Ours are red and I have found a robed and well practiced choir adds a dimension to the worship that is wonderful; conversely to the opinion of many in the modern Church, we have added many young couples / families without departing from a rather traditional model of worship, pipe organ etc.

The focus remains squarely upon Adonai and He blessed it!

 

We don't have choir robes, but my wife has an interesting observation concerning them - they cover up a person who does not know how to dress modestly. And sadly, it seems that there are many who don't.

Jim1999, I've never worn one myself, but I always thought clerical collars were sorta cool. I have yet to see a Baptist wearing one in our neck of the woods.

 

I just saw a bit of Charles Stanley's show~~they have nice robes and tuxedoed orchestra...does anyone's musicians wear tuxes?:laugh:

 

yes, we wear robes. My understanding is that the robes provide uniformity and a less distracting background for the preacher, during the sermons (which are televised). I personally appreciate the protection they provide! TV cameras capture EVERYTHING.

We don't usually use the robes during choir performances though. If we are performing, we usually wear all black or white tops/black bottoms which are the preference of the choir director. (he thinks it make us look more professional LOL )