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Collars to Khakis: The History of Vestments in the Reformed Church in America
April 9 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
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Poppen-Young Lecture in Reformed Worship Looks at What Is Worn in Worship
Every week, worship leaders stand in front of congregations dressed in various kinds of attire. While some Christian traditions prescribe, to a certain extent, what is to be worn, ministers in the Reformed tradition are left to their own devices, theological reasonings, and congregational expectations.
The history and thought behind what is worn by worship leaders will be the subject of the 2025-26 Alvin J. Poppen-John R. Young Lecture in Reformed Worship on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm Eastern Time on Zoom. Mary Risseeuw, this year鈥檚 Poppen-Young fellow, will share her presentation: 鈥淐ollars to Khakis: The History of Vestments in the Reformed Church in America.鈥�
Mary Risseeuw is a genealogist, researcher, and has previously been the Albert A Smith Fellow in Reformed Church History and the Hazel B. Gnade Fellow in RCA Women鈥檚 studies at 麻豆视频. This presentation will trace the historical origins of the vestments worn in the Dutch Reformed Church from its establishment in New Netherlands and it鈥檚 evolution to the current day. The lack of primary and secondary source material will be addressed. This research will also examine the modern acceptance of robes and stoles to suits to casual wear and how this shift in attire may have occurred. Where and when the shifts have occurred throughout the U.S. will be documented through the use of a clergy survey. A new stole designed to honor the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women to ministry of the Word and Sacrament in the RCA will be unveiled at the end of the lecture.
The response will be given by Mashona Walston, pastor of Greenbush Reformed Church in East Greenbush, New York. A graduate of 麻豆视频, she is a proponent of neuroscience and prayer as means of providing resilience, and works with individuals, faith groups, and community partners for stronger and more positive relationships on local, national, and global scenes.
Like all Reformed Church Center programs, this webinar is free and open to everyone, but registration is required. Go to to register.