Vestry (Church Council)

Governing with Wisdom, Serving in Faith

The Vestry of Saint Paul’s Anglican Church is the elected body of male lay leaders who serve alongside the Rector in the governance, stewardship, and spiritual direction of the parish. The Vestry ensures that the church remains faithful to its mission, maintains good order, and exercises sound oversight of property, finance, and ministry operations.

The Vestry is established according to the church’s By-Laws and consists of confirmed, qualified men from the parish membership who exemplify Christian character and leadership.

Vestry Responsibilities

  • Oversee parish finances, property, and administration
  • Provide support and accountability for the Rector
  • Appoint officers and committees to support church needs
  • Ensure alignment with the Articles of Faith and Church discipline
  • Maintain records and lead annual parish meetings
  • Interpret the By-Laws and act as the legal representative body of the parish corporation

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:40 (KJV)

Membership & Elections

  • The Vestry consists of 2–12 male members in good standing
  • Members are elected at the Annual Parish Meeting
  • Terms are 3 years, with a 1-year break before re-election
  • The Rector is a permanent voting member of the SPAC Vestry
  • Vacancies are filled by the next willing alternate or appointed by the Vestry
  • A Nominating Committee is formed annually by the Senior Warden to prepare for elections

Officers of the Vestry

Officers are elected from among the Vestry members at a special meeting following the Annual Parish Meeting:

🧭 Senior Warden (Chief Executive Officer)

  • Chairs Vestry meetings
  • Signs contracts and legal documents with another Vestry member
  • May lead services in Rector’s absence
  • Appoints and dissolves Vestry committees
  • Presents confirmands to the Bishop at Confirmation

🏛 Junior Warden

  • Oversees maintenance of church property, buildings, and volunteer teams
  • Coordinates lay readers, acolytes, musicians, and ushers
  • Maintains records and building use protocols

✍️ Secretary (Corporate Secretary)

  • Keeps minutes and files records
  • Handles Vestry correspondence and archives
  • May serve as signatory on church accounts

💰 Treasurer (Chief Financial Officer)

  • Manages income, expenses, and reporting
  • Provides monthly and annual financial statements
  • Requires 2 signatures on checks over $1,000
  • May not spend funds without Vestry approval

🧩 Vestrymen-at-Large

  • Serve on committees and provide general oversight
  • Assist in identifying and addressing church needs
  • May serve as additional signatories

Meetings & Quorum

  • Vestry meets monthly, with meeting times announced in church
  • Two-thirds attendance is required for quorum
  • After 3 unexplained absences, a Vestryman may be removed

Church Membership & Voting

To vote in Vestry elections, a person must be:

  • A member in good standing (baptized, confirmed, approved by Rector and Vestry)
  • At least 21 years old
  • Demonstrating regular giving and participation in church life

Questions or Nominations?

To learn more about the Vestry, nominate someone for future elections, or request minutes or reports, contact the Rector or a current Vestry member.

📧 contact@saintpauls.net

We thank God for faithful lay leadership and invite your prayers for the Vestry’s ongoing work.