Definition

Noun: 1. A lay assistant to a churchwarden in some Christian churches, particularly in the Church of England, whose duties often include collecting monetary offerings from the congregation during a service. The role is typically voluntary and involves practical support during church ceremonies.

Usage

The word "sidesman" is a specific ecclesiastical term. It is used to formally identify a person holding this particular church office. * The vicar asked the sidesman to prepare the collection plates. * He has served as a sidesman at the parish church for twenty years.

Advanced Usage

• The term is historically and primarily associated with the Church of England and other Anglican communion churches. In other Christian denominations, similar roles may have different titles, such as usher or steward.
• The plural form is sidesmen.

Variants and Related Words

• Sidesmen (n): Plural form of sidesman.
  • The sidesmen were responsible for welcoming attendees at the door.

Synonyms

• Church officer (n): A general term for someone holding a formal role in church administration.
• Usher (n): In some churches, an usher performs similar duties of greeting and organizing the congregation.
• Offertory collector (n): A descriptive phrase for the primary duty associated with a sidesman.

Notes on Meaning

• The role is distinct from that of a churchwarden. A sidesman is an the churchwarden, who holds a more senior legal and administrative responsibility for the church property and affairs.

Noun

1. (Church of England) an assistant to the churchwarden; collects offerings of money in the church