The Vestry

The vestry, who are elected by the congregation at the annual parish meeting, is the governing body of the parish. It is the vestry’s responsibility to be the final decision-making body that hires the rector, approves the parish budget, makes parish policy decisions.

The vestry consists of a senior warden, who is appointed by the rector, and 12 members who are elected by the congregation. From the 12 vestry members, a junior warden is selected and approved by the vestry. Normally, the vestry members are elected for 3-year terms, with four members elected each year. At the annual meeting in each calendar year, the rector nominates a treasurer and a clerk and the congregation elects the nominees. Nominations may be made from the floor. The rector, treasurer, and clerk are not voting members of the vestry.

The senior warden presides over the meetings of the vestry, which are generally held on the third Thursday of the month. In the absence of the senior warden, either the rector or junior warden presides. The senior warden leads the parish when the parish is without a rector, and is the support person for the rector. The junior warden has the responsibility for the church property and buildings and grounds. 

The role of the vestry is to establish policy, approve the budget, maintain fiduciary integrity, listen to, encourage, motivate, and help define the mission of the congregation.

The vestry members are expected to be present at the monthly meetings, and take part in the life of the church by attending major parish events, including the annual meeting, attending regular worship, and by giving of their time, talent, and treasure.