Sexton

Sexton (corrupted from Sacristan, q.v.) is a parochial officer in England, whose duty is to take care of the things belonging to divine worship. He is usually chosen by the inhabitants, but often also by the clergyman or the churchwardens, the mode of appointment being regulated by the custom of each parish. He sometimes also holds the office of parish-clerk. Women have occasionally been appointed sextons (e.g. at Kingston-upon-Thames, 1731; Donnybrook, near Dublin, 1845–56; and the adjoining parish of Booterstown, 1856–74). The office is a freehold office for life, except in the new parishes under Church-building Acts; the duty is to keep the church clean, swept, and adorned, to open the pews, to make and fill up the graves, and to prevent any disturbance in church. The salary is usually paid by the churchwardens, and as to amount depends on custom. In Scotland he may also be beadle or 'church-officer,' although the latter's duties are usually connected with attendance on the minister.