Pages: [1]

Author Topic: What exactly is a "Church Officer"  (Read 1075 times)

Offline iwccc

  • RootsChat Veteran
  • *****
  • Posts: 575
  • Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
    • View Profile
What exactly is a "Church Officer"
« on: Thursday 23 February 12 06:41 GMT (UK) »
On researching my family I find one mentioned as a "Church Officer" in Dumfries.  Can anyone tell me exactly what they did for this position.  The man is 65 years so maybe it is an honorary position.(as he was previously a mason)    It is in the 1851 census   Thank you

Offline Victor Harvey

  • RootsChat Marquessate
  • *******
  • Posts: 3,501
  • Victor is very ill, this account will close soon.
    • View Profile
Re: What exactly is a "Church Officer"
« Reply #1 on: Thursday 23 February 12 08:03 GMT (UK) »
Hi,
Probably a Churchwarden, an assistant to a parish priest who administers the secular affairs of the church.
Victor
HARVEY, Guiting Power, Glos                     
PORTER, Gunmakers of Whitechapel
ALLEN - Blockley, BOWLES - Notgrove, BURROWS - Sevenhampton, COOK - Notgrove, DRINKWATER-LUNN - Aston Cross, FARDON - Temple Guiting, FAULKNER - Cheltenham, GADEN, GAYDEN, GAYDON, GRINHAM - Cheltenham, HART - Stow-on-the-Wold, LANE - Staverton, MOABY - Coln St Aldwyns, STAITE - Temple Guiting, TIMBRELL - Winchcombe, TYSOE - Warks & Glos, WHITFORD - Stanway, WINTLE - Forest of Dean, WYNNIATT - Stanway

Offline GR2

  • RootsChat Marquessate
  • *******
  • Posts: 4,588
  • Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
    • View Profile
Re: What exactly is a "Church Officer"
« Reply #2 on: Thursday 23 February 12 17:11 GMT (UK) »
The church officer had a paid position, though not a full-time job. He rang the kirk bell, opened the doors, put the Bible into the pulpit, lit the lamps, did any messages the kirk session needed etc. In the 18th century he might even have to break up dog fights which occurred during the service. You should find references to him in the minutes and accounts of the kirk session - his appointment, wages, any special tasks he was given ......

Graham.

Offline iwccc

  • RootsChat Veteran
  • *****
  • Posts: 575
  • Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
    • View Profile
Re: What exactly is a "Church Officer"
« Reply #3 on: Thursday 23 February 12 22:55 GMT (UK) »
thank you so much for your helpful information.  Puts  a new light on a past relative.  I'm pretty sure they would have been part of the Scottish church so your information makes sense.  Thank you again.

Offline Skoosh

  • RootsChat Marquessate
  • *******
  • Posts: 5,736
  • Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
    • View Profile
Re: What exactly is a "Church Officer"
« Reply #4 on: Thursday 23 February 12 23:06 GMT (UK) »
What they used to call the Kirk Beadle (Bederal).

Skoosh.
Pages: [1]