Meaning
A senior lay officer of a church, ranking below the pastor — a respected man (a 'deaconess' being the woman) who helps lead worship, handles the collection and church business, serves communion, and assists the congregation. In Jamaica's deeply church-going culture, being a deacon is a mark of standing and trust in the community, not only the church.
Examples
-
Di deacon tek up di collection.
The deacon took up the collection.
-
Deacon Brown lead di prayer.
Deacon Brown led the prayer.
-
Everybody respect di deacon inna di community.
Everybody respects the deacon in the community.
Origin
From church 'deacon' (a lay officer); a senior, respected church officer. See [[pastor]], [[elder]].
How it’s used
A senior lay church officer below the pastor (female: deaconess). See [[pastor]], [[elder]].