The Vestry of St. Thomas Episcopal Church

History of the Vestry - The term vestry originated in Great Britain and referred to the room next to the nave of the church where the sacred vessels and vestments were kept. Those conducting parish business met in this room and came to be known as the vestry. The executive committee of the vestry is made up of the two wardens and the rector. The principle behind this, as well as the whole structure of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion, is one of ordered and diffused authority.  The responsibilities of the vestry are the following:   

• Collaborate with the rector in promoting the spiritual welfare of the parish.
• Aid the rector in the implementation, conduct, and development of parish programs both within and outside the parish. 
• Agent and legal representative in all matters concerning property: maintain the buildings and furnishings, maintain other property (rectory, parking lot, grounds, etc.), provide adequate insurance coverage for properties owned by church.
• Responsible for the finances of the parish, raising money, prompt payment of salaries and bills, prudent care of trust funds and endowments, sale and transfer of securities and other assets, maintain records, annual report, budget (approve expenditures and recommend and approve salaries).
• Recruit, encourage, train, and guide candidates for Holy Orders.
• Represent the parish in its relations with the rector.
• Serve as a "Council of Advice" for the rector when requested.
• Elect a rector if there is a vacancy.

    
                                                  Vestry Members for St. Thomas Episcopal Church - 2017

Mick Potter - Senior Warden                               Cookie Emery                                                            
Karen Sudlow - Junior Warden                           Frances Bennage                                                    
Reggie Fuller                                                      Carol Bennage-Hernandez
Robin Slaw                                                         Robert Moffitt                                                       
Kim Horton                                                          Dan Ligon
Reyne Espy                                                        Martha Knight                                                                                                                                                               

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