ruling elder

American  

noun

1. an elder in a Presbyterian church.

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Etymology

Origin of ruling elder

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

Claire Louise Schoppe, a ruling elder commissioner, was one of the few delegates to speak against the measure.

From Washington Times • Jul. 8, 2022

One of the two offending brethren, who had been charged with “scandalous sins,” was elected a ruling elder of the church less than two years afterwards.

From Glimpses of the Past History of the River St. John, A.D. 1604-1784 by Raymond, W. O. (William Odber)

For the ruling elder looked with dark disfavour upon any prominent performance by children and his young minister was rather anxious as to the effect the programme would have upon him.

From Duncan Polite The Watchman of Glenoro by MacGregor, Mary Esther Miller

It was a fine sermon, sound enough in doctrine to suit the ruling elder and brilliant enough in delivery to keep Syl Todd awake.

From Duncan Polite The Watchman of Glenoro by MacGregor, Mary Esther Miller

Certainly if the Scriptures lay not before us grounds more than prudential for the ruling elder, it were better never to have mere ruling elders in the church.

From The Divine Right of Church Government by Sundry Ministers Of Christ Within The City Of London by