Crossword Genius

Hobbyist banishes depression, becoming reader in church (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lector

'reader in church' is the definition.
(person delivering a reading in a church service)

'hobbyist banishes depression' is the wordplay.
'hobbyist' becomes 'collector'.
'banishes' is a deletion indicator.
'depression' becomes 'col' (geographical term for a low point).
'collector' with 'col' taken out is 'LECTOR'.

'becoming' is the link.

(Other definitions for lector that I've seen before include "one reads" , "Reader at certain universities" , "Reader, esp. in church" , "Person reading lessons in church" , "Hannibal - -" .)

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