Hi Listers, I just want to thank Janet for the following. I had another helpful suggestion too re the Anglican church website (thanks Jill). Would it be useful to post these definitions somewhere, as the terms are always occurring when I (and others I'm sure)look at older records? Jim Bundy Just found my pocket guide to the Anglican Church and in answer to your questions, Rector: In some parishes the parish priest is called the Rector. His predecessors received the revenues of the parish known as tithes which made up the income of the priest. Vicar: In some parishes the parish priest is called the Vicar. Before reformation many parishes belonged to monasteries. The monastery received the revenues of the parish and paid a priest to look after the spiritual needs of the parish on its behalf. Such a priest was called a vicar. Today a clergyman is paid from a central fund, so the difference between a Rector and Vicar has no significance. Curate: A clergyman who assists a Rector or Vicar in a parish. Formerly the title referred to any clergyman who had charge ('cure') of a parish. Officiating Minister: Any ordained priest/curate can officiate at Holy Communion Churchwardens: There are usually two Churchwardens. These are elected each year at the Easter Vestry. The Churchwardens are not officers of the Bishop; their main duties are to oversee the finances of the Church and to care for its fabric and furnishings. Hope this helps regards Janet