A Cathedral

It is not the size, the style of architecture nor the magnificence of detail that gives a church the character of a cathedral. It is simply that here is the "cathedra," or bishop's seat, where he gathers his presbyters about him and sends them forth upon their various missions. Originally it was the headquarters of a bishop and his clergy, from which they went forth to evangelize the world, and to which they returned for rest, refreshment and conference.

As early missionaries were strangers in a foreign land, they naturally gathered around a Cathedral as a center, and, consequently, connected with a Cathedral there were abbeys, with their Chapters, or governing bodies, Cloisters, etc. The Chapter of a fully-organized Cathedral consists of a Bishop or Archbishop, as its nominal head; the Dean, its responsible head; the Precentor, in charge of the musical service; a Chancellor, a Theologian, a Librarian, and the Treasurer; also numerous Canons, or ministers connected with the Cathedral, subject to certain rules and regulations. The Abbey had its Abbot and consistory. No system connected with Christianity has ever been more powerful than the Monastic. In the Dark Ages the monastery was often the sole refuge of the oppressed, the sole depository of learning, and the sole guardian of religion.