S.W. SINGER.
March 26. 1850.
* * * * *
THE WATCHING OF THE SEPULCHRE.
Inquired about by "T.W." (No. 20. p. 318.), is a liturgical practice,
which long was, and still is, observed in Holy Week. On Maundy
Thursday, several particles of the Blessed Eucharist, consecrated
at the Mass sung that day, were reserved--a larger one for the
celebrating priest on the morrow, Good Friday; the smaller ones for
the viaticum of the dying, should need be, and carried in solemn
procession all round the church, from the high altar to a temporary
erection, fitted up like a tomb, with lights, and the figure of an
angel watching by, on the north side of the chancel. Therein the
Eucharist was kept till Easter Sunday morning, according to the
Salisbury Ritual; and there were people kneeling and praying at this
so-called sepulchre all the time, both night and day. To take care of
the church, left open throughout this period, and to look after the
lights, it was necessary for the sacristan to have other men to help
him; and what was given to them for this service is put down in the
church-wardens' books as money for "watching the sepulchre.
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