Pronunciation: [sˈa͡ɪdzmɛn] (IPA) 
Sidesmen is a term used in the Anglican Church to describe assistants in a church service. The word is pronounced /ˈsaɪdzmən/ with the stress on the first syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription tells us that the first syllable is pronounced as "sigh" and the last syllable as "mən". The spelling of the word is derived from the combination of "side" and "men". This word has been used since the 16th century and is still in use today.
Sidesmen refer to individuals who hold a distinct role within certain religious institutions, particularly churches. Specifically, sidesmen are individuals selected or appointed to assist the clergy and congregation during religious services. The term is primarily used in the Anglican Church and other Protestant denominations, though variations of this role can also be found in Catholic churches. Sidesmen are typically church members chosen from the congregation and are entrusted with various responsibilities that help in the smooth operation of worship services.
The primary role of sidesmen is to maintain order and assist with practical matters within the church setting. They are responsible for ensuring the church is properly prepared for services, including arranging seating, distributing and collecting hymn books or service sheets, and overseeing the collection of donations or offerings. Additionally, sidesmen may assist in guiding worshippers to their seats, providing information or directions to visitors, and coordinating the flow of the service by opening and closing doors.
Sidesmen are regarded as essential representatives of the church community, and their presence and assistance contribute to the overall worship experience. Their duties extend beyond the time of the service itself, as they may also oversee tasks such as church security, facility management, and organizing events or social activities. By fulfilling these tasks, sidesmen play an important role in maintaining the positive functioning of a religious institution and facilitating the spiritual experience of its members.
The word "sidesmen" is derived from the Middle English term "sidesman", also spelled "sides-man", which was formed by combining the words "side" and "man".
In Old English, the word "side" referred to the length or breadth of something. Over time, it began to be used in a figurative sense to indicate one's position or party in a conflict or debate. In this sense, a "side" referred to a group or faction supporting a particular cause.
The word "man" has its roots in Old English, where it simply meant "human being" or "person". It gradually evolved to denote an adult male specifically.
During the Middle Ages, the term "sidesman" emerged to describe someone who took a position on one side of a dispute or conflict.
