The regular meeting of the vestry of St. John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton, VA was held on September 12, 2000. The Reverend Richard L. Vinson, Interim Rector, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Those present were Vestal Lewis, Frank Edgar, Sr., Senior Warden, Lew Vermillion Junior Warden, Leo Vaisvil, Marian Blount, Keith Hatch, Linda Eanes, Mary Ellen Sawyer, Hansi Haufler, Nelson T. Durden, Registrar, Bob Harper, and Billie Einselen.
Absent: Dan Clark, Richard Hayes
Guests: Molly Durden, John Eidom, Jim Tormey, Rick Harmon, and Elaine Holt Devotions were given by Rick Vinson.
The meeting began with a birthday cake being presented to Rick Vinson on the occasion of his birthday.
Financial Reports: Rick Harmon reported the bank balance was $28,622.68 as of September 11, 2000. No financial statements were distributed since it had previously been decided that the financial statements would be distributed every three months unless it became necessary to do so sooner.
The minutes of the August 2000 regular vestry meeting were approved as mailed.
Finance Committee report: Rick Harmon, Chairman, who distributed copies of the financial package for the new rector’s proposed compensation, gave the report. This information will be in the Church Deployment Office Profile for St. John’s Church. Mr. Harmon explained the financial package, and there was extensive discussion. Mr. Harmon further explained that the financial package was the recommendation of the finance committee. (See New Rector Proposed Compensation Package – attached)
Mr. Harmon then reported that the offer of $270,000.00 by St. John’s to purchase the Horseman Building had been rejected and that the owner of the building had made a counter offer of $330,000.00 which the owner would finance over a seven year period. The counter offer will lapse on September 27, 000. A motion made, seconded, and passed that St. John’s make an offer of $290,000.00 to purchase the building.
Because of the illness of Judy Moore’s husband the Finance Committee recommended that St. John” place Judy Moore on administrative leave with pay until the end of the year. A motion was made, seconded, and passed that the vestry adopt the Finance Committee recommendation. The vestry also passed a motion authorizing the Interim Rector to hire someone to fulfill her duties on an as-need basis.
Search Committee: Jim Tormey, Chairman, who distributed the parish profile for St. John’s Church, gave the report of the Search Committee. After much discussion a motion was made, seconded, and passed that the profile be approved.
The geographical range of the search was then discussed. The Search Committee recommended that the search remain East of the Mississippi River. By motion that was seconded and passed the vestry approved the recommendation of the Search Committee. The next discussion concerned the statement that applications from women and minorities will be especially welcome. A motion was made, seconded, and passed unanimously that this statement not be checked on the Church Deployment Office form.
2010 Celebration Committee report: The report was given by Molly Durden and Nelson Durden, Co-Chairpersons, who distributed the committee structure for the 400th Anniversary Celebration of St. John’s Church, Hampton, VA A motion was made, seconded, and passed that; the committee structure be approved. (See Attachment)
Senior Warden Report: Frank Edgar reported that a meeting with wardens and clergy of the other Episcopal churches in Hampton, VA was hosted by St. John’s Church and went very well. He further reported that there were many areas in which the churches could have joint services, for example-confirmation.
Junior Warden’s report: Mr. Vermillion reported that the rugs in the parish house and Sunday school building have been cleaned. He also reported that some of the bricks in the wall at the third site were not in good shape and need repair. He will approach the St. John’s Endowment for assistance in repairing the bricks. Mr. Vermillion then reported that the roof on the Hoffman House is in bad shape and it will cost $32,000 to repair. The Junior Warden will repair the roof on a piece-meal basis until St. John’s decides what to do with the building.
Mary Ellen Sawyer reported that someone is interested in renting the unrented portion of the first floor of the Hoffman House. The Senior Warden also reported that another person is also interested in renting the same space. A motion was made, seconded, and passed that St. John’s rent the unrented portion of the first floor of the Hoffman House. Mr. Vinson reported that the Endowment fund has received a bequest in the amount of $300,000, from the estate of Emily Semple Wood. One-half of the income from the bequest is to be used for the maintenance of the building and grounds of St. Johns’ Church and the other half is to be reinvested.
Mr. Vinson reported that the parish house ramp is in progress and that St. John’s has a web page. He then reported that the first meeting of the new committees set up under the new committee structure approved by the vestry will be held in the parish house at 7:00PM on October 3, 2000, and these committees will be known as Parish Action Committees. Mr. Vinson then advised the vestry that this year’s Stewardship campaign will be low key and mainly will be a mailing campaign.
Training/orientation for committee oversight: A mailing will be sent to all vestry members.
A parish ministry fair will be held on Sunday, September 17, 2000 for the congregation to sign up for one of the three new committees.
Bob Harper asked the coffee hour after the 10:30AM service be emphasized.
Good of the Order: Happy Birthday, Rick Vinson.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted
Nelson T. Durden, Registrar