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