diaconate

The rank of a deacon.

Deacons considered as a group; a body or board of deacons.

The period of office of a deacon.

“[…] This is Mr. Churchill, who, as you are aware, is good enough to come to us for his diaconate, and, as we hope, for much longer; and being a gentleman of independent means, he declines to take any payment.” Saying this Walden rubbed his hands together and smiled contentedly.