ORIGINS

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The Vestry actually refers to the room where the priest puts on his/her vestments. In years past, it was in this room that the laity would meet with the priest to discuss parish business. As such, the term vestry now also identifies the group responsible for governing a parish. 

ROLE OF THE VESTRY

(as found at www.edsd.org/vestrybestpractices)

Vestry members have three broad duties in their trustee role: care, obedience and loyalty. The duty of care requires vestry members in their individual and corporate roles to take positive actions that promote the well-being of the parish corporation, its members and parish ministry. The duty of obedience mandates that vestry members in their individual and corporate actions be obedient to all federal, state and local laws, the Episcopal Church and diocesan constitution and canons, and the parish bylaws. The duty of loyalty underscores the expectation that vestry members, by their individual and corporate actions, will not disparage the parish or its leadership. 

Vestry members are expected to support the work of the parish by participating in corporate worship and by giving of their time, talent and treasure. Vestry members should be people of prayer and be especially diligent in their prayers for God’s mission as it is being lived out in the parish community.

MEMBERSHIP

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The vestry consists of lay members of the church elected by the congregation at the annual parish meeting.  The vestry of All Souls' Episcopal Church consists of 12 elected members. Each year, the Rector selects a Senior Warden and the vestry elects a Junior Warden. The Clerk and Treasurer are chosen by the vestry from among the members of the vestry or the congregation at large. Vestry members normally serve a three-year term and must be members in good standing of the parish.

MEETINGS

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The vestry of All Souls' Episcopal Church usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Sherman Room. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are open to members of the congregation. The annual parish meeting is held in February.