Next Presentation

Next presentation, the right to present to an ecclesiastical benefice on the occurrence of the next vacancy. The purchase of the next presentation of a vacant benefice is illegal and void; and a clerk could not purchase a next presentation, even if the church were full, with a view of presenting himself. The sale of next presentations is now abolished and the transfer of rights of patronage of a benefice strictly regulated by the Benefices Act,1898, and the rules made thereunder, and further restricted by the (English) Benefices Act,1898 (Amendment) Measure, 1923 (14 & 15 Geo. 5, No. 1).