This cry for help cameth todayeth:
I was just offered a job in a PCUSA church, part time…I need a black preaching robe asap. Any ideas where I can buy one on a minister’s salary? Have any minister friend’s who might want to sell one? i’m 5’4″
thanks
If anyone has any leads, let me know and I’ll set you up with the writer. Thanks, dears!
I don’t have a robe–and I’m too tall to help if I did–but speaking of Presbyterians, just wanted you to know that I write a column for Presbyterians Today called “Best of the Blogs”. This month’s issue featured Beauty Tips for Ministers.
You can read it online here: http://www.pcusa.org/today/featured-story2.htm
I love BOTH your blogs and am happy to spread the word about Beauty Tips….thanks, PeaceBang!
[Well ain’t you sweet!? Thanks, honey lamb! – PB]
Are you female? Go to WomanSpirit; that’s where I got mine. Really well-made, to order, and affordable (relatively). [As much as I like WomanSpirit, they are expensive and I think she wants a traditional Geneva gown. Thanks anyway! – PB]
Cokesbury’s quick ship robes are probably about the most affordable new robe you can find. Check out Almy, but I think they’re a little higher priced.
Also check the on-line academic apparel places – since a preaching robe is actually an academic gown.
Murphy’s Robes (http://www.murphyrobes.com/)also do quick ship tho at 5’4″ many quick ship items might be too long for her.
My idea is to ask the Committee on Ministry person, or other future colleagues (sp?) if they know of one you can borrow for a few weeks. (They do. I know they do.) Give yourself enough time to save enough money, and shop around to get one you are proud to wear. Don’t cheap out.
If you are at all close to a Cokesbury or CM Almay store, sometimes they will sell “off the rack” robes for discounted prices – it’s worth a look. If you happen to find one that fits, they often have tailors on site or can recommend someone who can hem it shorter 🙂 Good luck!
Many congregations have a robe or two in a closet, often in need of a shorter hem. Ask the church what they have. They may buy it for you. At the very least, it is a professional expense.
I like the suggestion to borrow one short term.
I say go for Almy. NICE people…who will work with you. They carry all you’ll need. Sizes accurate…and lengths as needed. I’ve had them custom make robes and have bought ‘quick ship’ as well. I find them affordable. Try on-line.
I agree with the comment by “cindy,really”. The robes I’ve had custom made are my favorites and wear well.
If you are near SW Iowa (Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, etc.), I’d be happy to lend you my black alb until you can find a preaching robe you love. It’s not a preaching robe (though albs are all I wear), but it may work for you for a while. I’m 5’4″. (Peacebang, you can give this young woman my email address if you’d like.)
I just graduated and was ordained last month (also in the P.C.U.S.A.!), and found myself in a similar situation. I got a black, academic gown from University Cap and Gown outside Boston (http://www.gradgowns.com/). I got the deluxe doctoral robe which was reasonably priced and very nicely made. I liked working with them a lot. Good luck (with the robe and your new ministry)!