The word derives from the latin sacristanus meaning custodian of sacred objects. A sexton is a person who takes care of the church property and performs minor duties, such as ringing the bell or digging graves A sexton is a multifaceted caretaker, most commonly associated with duties in a church or cemetery setting Their role traditionally involves the maintenance and oversight of church property, ensuring that the grounds, buildings, and facilities are kept in good condition This can include a wide array of responsibilities such as cleaning the interior of the church, tending to the exterior. An explanation of what is a cemetery sexton, what job that entails, as well as what records a cemetery sexton keeps
This article is intended to be read by genealogists and historians. Sexton, church custodian charged with keeping the church and parish buildings prepared for meetings, caring for church equipment, and performing related minor duties such as ringing the bell and digging graves The term is sometimes used interchangeably with “sacristan,” denoting a church officer A sexton is a layman who attends to various duties around a church, such as guarding the building, treasures, and vestments, and assisting with burials and bell ringings The term comes from the latin sacrista, which was originally a clerical office in charge of the church fabric and its furnishings.
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