The Vestry
What is the Vestry?
Originally the word referred to the room where the priest would put on his vestments, at which time local laity would meet with him to discuss the affairs of the parish. Later, the word came to refer to the leaders, instead of the room.
The Vestry is the governing board of the parish and consists of the Rector, the Wardens and lay members. The Rector presides at meetings of the Vestry which handle the parish’s business and temporal matters. Additionally, the Vestry serves as a council of advice for the Rector. The Episcopal Church uses a representative form of government instead of a pure democracy and members of the Vestry are elected at the Parish’s annual meeting.
The Vestry serves many of the functions served by boards of directors or trustees of other organizations or businesses. As its primary responsibility, the Vestry oversees the parish’s financial health. In partnership with the rector, it develops and approves the annual parish budget. The Vestry also serves as an advisory council to the rector who by church law is the parish’s chief liturgical and pastoral officer. The Rector, Wardens, the Vestry Secretary, Chair of Vestry Finance Committee and the Treasurer form an executive committee and meets periodically between Vestry meetings.
What does the Vestry do?
The Vestry meets on the second Tuesday of the month to conduct its business and on special occasions as needed.
Typically the Vestry has the following responsibilities:
* Exhibit faithfulness in worship and participates in the activities of the parish community.
* Lead in the financial support of the parish.
* Evaluate parish direction annually.
* Function as a sounding board and an impartial source of support for the rector.
* Maintain upkeep of church property (the rector determines use).
* Maintain liability and other forms of insurance.
* Establish short-term goals and create a vision for the parish that will require long range-planning.
* Maintain a working list or digest of parish policies, records, and vestry decisions.
Who Are the Officers of the Vestry?
* The Rector is the Presiding Officer of the Vestry.
* The Senior Warden is appointed annually by the Rector and serves as the Vestry chairperson in the Rector’s absence.
* The Junior Warden is elected annually by the Vestry and is responsible for the oversight of Building and Grounds.
* The Secretary is elected annually by the Vestry and is responsible for maintaining the minutes and handling Vestry correspondence.
* The Treasurer is not a member of the Vestry, but is elected by the Vestry.
How are Vestry members selected?
The Vestry has twelve elected members. Each member is elected for a three-year term. At the Annual Parish Meeting each January four new vestry members are elected by those present to serve on the Vestry who take the place of the four who are leaving the Vestry.
Members of the Vestry of 2007
