Past Vicars of All Saints

So often the question is asked, "What is the difference between a Rector and a Vicar?"   St. Mary's in Maldon has a Rector and so does St. Andrew's in nearby Heybridge, so why does All Saints have a Vicar?   As it is so often, the answer lies in history for in the present day there is no difference.   The Rector is the person who received all the endowments, tithes and gifts of a parish - it was truly a "living".   Some had more than one living, indeed some had many.   In order to maintain the services in the parishes providing the revenue, a priest was installed to act on behalf of the Rector.   The Latin word to describe such a person was a Vicarius - one who stands in place of - and that's just what the Vicar did.   At All Saints the Rector was the Abbot of Beeleigh Abbey for nearly 300 years and the canons came as Vicarius.   Details of Vicars of All Saints with St. Peter's as far as we know are shown below.   Inevitably there are gaps, uncertainties and, perhaps, some inaccuracies but such as we have may be of passing interest.   Prior to 1244 one name only has as yet been traced - that of Geoffrey, a Chaplain or Capellanus apparently of All Saints only, who seems to have been deputed by Beeleigh Abbey to conduct services in the church.

What is a Canon?
Many people ask why some parish priests are titled 'Canon'.   This title is still given in many dioceses to senior parish priests as a largely honorary one.   It is usually awarded in recognition of long and dedicated service to the diocese.   Canons receive no additional emolument and can have a role in the administration of the cathedral.

Past Vicars