Vergers from across the United States, Canada and England will gather at St. Mary's Kerrisdale Anglican Church in Vancouver from Aug. 10 to 13 for the 12th annual conference of the Vergers Guild of the Episcopal Church.

According to verger John Taylor of St. Mary's, it's been said there is a verger in every congregation, whether that person has been officially identified as such or not. He notes approvingly the description of a verger's role as "that of a parson's butler. As the butler runs the house of his master, so the verger runs the house of God."

All vergers or anyone interested in becoming a verger is welcome at the conference. Details can be obtained from Mr. Taylor at St. Mary's, 2490 W. 37 Avenue, Vancouver, V6M 1P5. Phone (604) 267-0315. Fax: (604) 261-7244. Email: thejets@home.com