Sextons can perform various roles, often beyond mere caretaking, including bell-ringing and assisting in services.

Church Role

Sextons were more common in the past; modern churches may use volunteers or different titles for similar roles.

Historical Occupation

The term ‘sexton’ might be unfamiliar in some cultures where churches have different administrative structures.

Cultural Nuance

A sexton specializing in grave digging is often the one preparing final resting places for the deceased.

Specific Task

In smaller communities, the sexton may have multiple roles, including grave digging and church caretaking.

Not Always Sole Job

Being a sexton requires specific knowledge about burial practices and cemetery upkeep.

Specialized Knowledge

 in this town Bill Lent is the sexton of the old Dutch Church he knows everything there is to know about the legend showing tourists where the famous characters are buried and when he was writing the book he remembered the name