What is the Vestry?
Originally, “vestry” was an architectural term referring to a room within or attached to the church where vestments and other objects used in religious observances were kept. Some were large enough for those wearing vestments to change in which also made them large enough to hold small meetings dealing with the administrative needs of a parish.
Modern day usage of the term refers to the group of parishioners who have been elected by the parish to conduct the secular affairs of the parish and the selection of the Rector. Some provinces of the church allow the Rector and Bishop to appoint members to the Vestry. The Rector is usually an ex officio member of the Vestry. The leading members of the Vestry are the Sr. Warden and the Jr. Warden. In our case, the Rector and the Senior Warden co-chair the meetings. The Sr. Warden oversees the administrative affairs, while the Jr. Warden oversees the physical plant and grounds.
Annually, the whole congregation receives the reports of the Vestry and all other committees, commissions, and ministries of the parish; discusses new ideas and plans for the future; and elects new Vestry members to fill open positions.
Modern day usage of the term refers to the group of parishioners who have been elected by the parish to conduct the secular affairs of the parish and the selection of the Rector. Some provinces of the church allow the Rector and Bishop to appoint members to the Vestry. The Rector is usually an ex officio member of the Vestry. The leading members of the Vestry are the Sr. Warden and the Jr. Warden. In our case, the Rector and the Senior Warden co-chair the meetings. The Sr. Warden oversees the administrative affairs, while the Jr. Warden oversees the physical plant and grounds.
Annually, the whole congregation receives the reports of the Vestry and all other committees, commissions, and ministries of the parish; discusses new ideas and plans for the future; and elects new Vestry members to fill open positions.