sexton
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sexton
A person responsible for the care and maintenance of a church building and its furnishings, and who assists the pastor during church services.
Der Küster läutete pünktlich um 12 Uhr die Glocken.
The sexton rang the bells promptly at 12 o'clock.
This word is used almost exclusively in the context of a Christian church. It refers to a specific occupational role that does not exist in other areas.
Der Küster bereitete den Altar für den Gottesdienst vor.
The sexton prepared the altar for the church service.
The duties of a sexton are very concrete. Typical collocations are 'die Glocken läuten' (to ring the bells), 'die Kirche auf- und zuschließen' (to unlock and lock up the church), or 'die Kerzen anzünden' (to light the candles).
Jeden Abend um sechs Uhr schließt der Küster die Kirchentüren ab.
Every evening at six o'clock, the sexton locks the church doors.
There are strong regional differences in the term for this profession. In Austria and parts of Bavaria, 'der Mesner' is common; in Switzerland and southwestern Germany, often 'der Sigrist'.
In unserem Dorf in Tirol nennt jeder den Küster einfach nur Mesner.
In our village in Tyrol, everyone simply calls the sexton Mesner.