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The Plan of St. Gall

a study of the architecture & economy of & life in a paradigmatic Carolingian monastery
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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II.1.11

SACRISTY AND VESTRY

In the corner between the fore choir and the southern
transept arm, and directly attached to them, there is a
double-storied structure, 40 feet square, which contains
"below, the Sacristy, above, the repository for the church
vestments" (subtus sacratorium, supra uestiū ecʈae repositio).
The Plan gives the layout of the Sacristy. In the center a
large square table for the sacred vessels (mensa scōr̄ uasorum)
is raised on a plinth. Benches and a chest or table are set
against the walls, and the room is heated by a corner fireplace.
The Plan does not disclose the location of any stairs
connecting the Sacristy with the Vestry, but it is reasonable
to assume that they were located above the arm of the
corridor crypt that lies beneath the Sacristy.[73]

The custodianship of Sacristy and Vestry was the
responsibility of the Sacrist (custos ecclesiae)[74] who also was
in charge of the preparation of the host and the holy oil.
This task was performed in a separate building, as the title
indicates: the building where the holy bread is baked
and where the oil is pressed (domus ad pparandū panē scm̄ &
oleum exprimendum.
); this building measures 22½ × 37½
feet and is connected to the Sacristy by a covered passageway
that is bent twice at right angles. The room contains
a press, a table, and an oven as well as benches all along
the remaining parts of its walls.

 
[73]

On the absence of stairs in general, see above, pp. 65ff.

[74]

For a more detailed definition of the Sacrist's charges, see below,
p. 335.