Bible Dictionaries
Rector

The American Church Dictionary and Cyclopedia

The official title of the Priest who has charge of a Parish and as such is its ruler, guide and director. The word means "one who rules." Like other organizations, the Parish must have a head, and by the canons of the Church, the Rector is head of the Parish. As such he is ex officio head of all its organizations. He is the presiding officer at all Vestry meetings, superintendent of the Sunday-school, and President of all Guilds, Brotherhoods and other parochial societies. These offices he may delegate to others, but ex officio the Rector is head of all, and all that may be done in the parish is to be done with reference to his consent and approval.

Bibliography Information
Miller, William James. Entry for 'Rector'. The American Church Dictionary and Cyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​acd/​r/rector.html. 1901.