Copyeiqht
Defined in 1 dictionary — Bouvier (1914)
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia
John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914
A clergyman who assists rectors in preach- Assistants appointed to tbe rectors of churches. They are chosen by the vestry or chief Inhabitants. Within the meaning of the term a readership is not an ecclesiastical preferment; 4 D. & R. 720; 3 B. & C. 49; nor is it included under the definition of benefice given by 1 & 2 Vlct. c. 106. The power of the bishop over the lecturer is limited to the right to Judge of bis qualification and fitness for \he office; he may not determine his right to a particular lectureship; 13 East 419. In the absence of a custom to employ a lecturer, and where the lectureship is to be supported by voluntary contributions, and where the rector has refused his consent to the person applying for the lectureship, the ordinary is the proper Judge as to whether or not a lecturer should be admitted; 1 Wils. 11; 4 Term 125. In the language of Lord Mansfield, “No person can use the pulpit of another unless he consents. But if there has been an immemorial usage, the law supposes a good foundation for it; and if (he lectureship be endowed, that furnishes a strong argument to support the custom.” 1 Term 331. The court will not grant a mandamus to compel a bishop to grant a license to a clergyman to preach as lecturer to a parish; 1 Wils. 11. Trustees of a lecture to be preached at a convenient hour may appoint any hour they please and vary their appointment; 1 W. Bla. 210. As to the right of and qualification for voting in the nomination of a lecturer, the usage of the parish is, if consistent with the deed of trust, a safe criterion; 14 Ves. 7; 3 Atk. 599; but no person can be a lecturer, although elected by the parishioners, without the rector’s consent, unless there be an immemorial custom to such effect; 1 Add. 97; 4 B. & 0. 669. See 2 Burn, Eccl. L. 398.