RECTORY

:''"Parsonage" and "Vicarage" redirect here.

Depending on denomination and local tastes, the building inhabited, or formerly inhabited by the leader of a Christian church can be referred to by many names. In Roman Catholic churches this is always called a 'rectory'. Traditionally Catholic rectories housed several priests from a parish, as opposed to other denominations where the church leader is often married and raising children. In churches that are members of the Anglican Communion, the building will most commonly be called a 'rectory' or 'vicarage' depending on the title of the inhabitant. Methodists might refer to it as a manse or 'parsonage', while the latter is quite frequently used in English-speaking Lutheran churches. 'Manse' is the usual name for the house of a Church of Scotland minister. These homes are traditionally owned and maintained by the church, as a benefit to their preacher. The trend continues to this day in many denominations because of the tendency of church officials to be sent from one church to another at a relatively frequent pace. However, many of the previous buildings with the titles of "vicarage" or "rectory" that are sold by the church retain their old names.
Parsonage is also a fairly rare English/Welsh surname.

Contents

See also

See also

★ Manse

★ Rector