Saint Luke's Vestry

In Episcopal churches, Vestries oversee all matter pertaining to finance and property.  Members are elected to three year terms at the annual parish meeting.  The term Vestry comes from England in the days when parish elections were held in the vesting room off of the church (the Vestry).

The Rector of the congregation is chair of Vestry and has voice and vote.  In the Rector's absence, the Senior Warden chairs the Vestry meeting.  

Officers of Vestry include the Senior Warden, Junior Warden, and Clerk or Secretary.  The parish treasurer may or not be a member of Vestry but has voice at all Vestry meetings.  The Wardens are also elected by the parish.  The Senior Warden provides support and counsel to the Rector and is the administrative leader of a congregation when the Rector is absent.  The Junior Warden steps in when the Senior Warden is not available and may also provide leadership in key areas of parish life.  The Secretary of Vestry is elected by the Vestry and keeps the minutes and other records of Vestry meetings.

At St. Luke's, Vestry members provide leadership and consultation in most areas of parish life.  Vestry meetings are normally held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 pm, from September to June.