Sentence meaning

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Answering the call were a tailor, a soldier and a priest.

What does the sentence above mean?

  Thanks.
2

I think we need more context - it might be referring to the children’s rhyme:

Tinker, Tailor,
Soldier, Sailor,
Rich Man, Poor Man,
Beggar Man, Thief.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinker,_Tailor