In the Presbyterian Church USA I teach in Sunday School that the Elders take care of things pertaining to the 'LAWS' of the church... ie bills, legal items, records, communion and worship, hiring, calling church body meetings, etc. The Deacons take care of the 'LOVE' of the church... ie. visitng sick, food, gifts, cards, etc. Some churches have Trustees who take care of Property whereas others have put that under the duty of the Elders. The Clerk of Session is the 'Secretary of their meetings' taking the legal minutes, does correspondence, and represents the church when the pastor is not available but under the specific directions of the pastor to do so. From relatives in Scotland I find that the Elders have less duties as they have a Church Board as well as Elders. The Elders there do less business and more serving communion, etc. One is elected and ordained as an elder for life. One of the astronauts who was an elder quietly served communion on the moon many years ago. Subject: Re: Elder in the church Date: Wed, 20 Oct 1999 15:35:28 BST From: "L. Bousbaine" <wayland@hotmail.com> To: SCOTLAND-GENWEB-L@rootsweb.com Hi there, The Elders in the Church of Scotland are like the minister's deputies in a pastoral sense. They visit the sick/elderly in the parish and also may have management duties within the church. Elders also have a ceremonial role to play in the communion service. The session clerk is kind of like the chief elder. Also, I would assume that in referring to the established church, this is probable the Church of Scotland. I'm sorry if this is a bit vague, but nobody's ever given me an exact definition of the term. I hope this anwers your question. Lesley (Who really should know the answer as her grandfather was a minister and father was an elder and session clerk) Angela wrote: >I have some information on my gggg.grandfather William MCQUIBAN >(1779-1852). Who lived at Whitemoss in the Parish of Dallas, > Morayshire. >He is noted as an elder of the Established Church, what does this > mean ? >and what is the Established Church ? ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ______________________________