What are the differences between a rector, a vicar and a curate?

Manners. Manners were very important in Regency times just as they are important today. In our ever changing political climate, manners go a long way. If you are kind, thoughtful and can express your thoughts eloquently you have manners. If you point out others flaws than you are considered uncouth. There is a fine line between speaking the truth and good manners.

The gentry in the 1800’s were caught in between the aristocracy and those who had made a fortune in trade. The gentry usually didn’t have much land if any. Their wealth had long since vanished and so they had to fall back on the four acceptable professions—the church, the law, the military or medicine.

These professions were honorable.  I’ve posted before on the differences concerning doctors, surgeons and apothecaries.  

What are the differences between a rector, a vicar and a curate?

A rector was the business man of the church. He did not have to be ordained. He took care of the clerical duties such as recording births, deaths, marriages and often sat on the magistrate bench. He entered into the social life of the community. He also received 10% of the cereal crops grown in his region. This could amount to quite an income.

A vicar had to go to the university, then ordained a deacon followed by assisting an ordained priest for a year, which gave him the ability to administer sacraments. After that he had to secure a “living”. Once secured he was there for life. He lived off the lower tithes. 10% of the produce and livestock sold. He lived in his home for free and could stay there until he died. When he was ready to retire, he would hire a curator.

A curator was usually a young man recently ordained. He would assist the vicar in the hopes of taking over his living when the vicar passed away. It was not a sure thing. Their salaries were sometimes as little as 50 pounds per year. However, even with this paltry wage a curacy was hard to obtain. The only way a curator could retire would be if he had previous means that would allow him the luxury. The gentry did not associate with him.