Sexton (office)

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A sexton is a church officer charged with the maintenance of the church buildings and/or the surrounding graveyard.

In smaller churches, this office is often combined with that of verger.

In larger buildings, such as Cathedrals, a team of sextons may be employed.


[edit] Origin of the Name

The word "Sexton" is believed to be derived from the Anglo-Norman "segerstein" which itself originated from the Latin word "sacristanus" which basically means "someone who looks after the sacred objects".


[edit] Duties

Amongst the traditional duties of the sexton in small parishes was the digging of graves - the gravedigger in Hamlet refers to himself as sexton, for example. In modern times, gravedigging is usually done by an outside contractor. The general duties of a modern sexton may include (but are not limited to):

  • Operation and maintenance of mechanical systems, such as fridges, boilers, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units, hot water systems, kitchen equipment, and piping systems (i.e. gas, water, fire protection, and sewer systems).
  • Operation and maintenance of electrical and instrument systems, such as a power distribution system, security/communication system, fire alarms, telephone wiring and computer LAN systems.
  • Liaison with routine contract maintenance & supply companies regarding fire and safety, pest control and cleaning, etc.
  • Ordering/receiving supplies and equipment.
  • Aesthetic appearance, security, and fire protection.
  • Logistics for events on church calendar (chairs/tables, lighting, acoustics, audio/video, etc)
  • Emergency response during bad weather, etc.
  • Other building and grounds tasks not handled by a contract service and/or church volunteers, such as the replacement of ceiling light bulbs, returning premises to a neat and orderly state following services and events, disposal of rubbish, and running any local errands or trips that are needed by the church.

[edit] Texas

In the state of Texas, a sexton assigned to protect a given cemetery has the same powers and authority as any peace officer, with a jurisdiction limited to his or her cemetery and, where necessary, a surrounding "radius."

§ 711.009. AUTHORITY OF CEMETERY KEEPER. (a) The superintendent, sexton, or other person in charge of a cemetery has the same powers, duties, and immunities granted by law to: (1) a police officer in the municipality in which the cemetery is located; or (2) a constable or sheriff of the county in which the cemetery is located if the cemetery is outside a municipality. (b) A person who is granted authority under Subsection (a) shall maintain order and enforce the cemetery organization's rules, state law, and municipal ordinances in the cemetery over which that person has charge and as near the cemetery as necessary to protect cemetery property.

Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 634, § 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.

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