In early Methodism the Assistant appointed from among the Society Stewards of the Circuit a 'General Steward' who had responsibility at the Quarterly Meeting for receiving the quarterly class money from each society and the ticket money collected by the Assistant and for disbursing it, mainly in paying the itinerants' allowances. As their obituaries show, those chosen for this office were usually in easy circumstances, ready to give financial support to struggling societies and itinerants, and experienced office-bearers in the local societies. Today they are called Circuit Stewards and are appointed by the Circuit Meeting, and with the ministers are responsible, like their predecessors, for the spiritual and material well-being of the Circuit.

Entry written by: MB
Category: Subject
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