The regular meeting of the vestry of St. John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton, VA was held on August 14, 2001 at the parish house; the Rev. Marni Schneider, Interim Rector, presiding. The Interim Rector gave the devotions.
Vestry members present were Marian Blount, Nelson T. Durden, Billie Einselen, Hansi Haufler, Richard Hayes, Connie Heath, Bill Mace, Bettyrene Pope, Mary Ellen Sawyer, Eric Stewart, W. L. (Bill) Terrill, and Leo Vaisvil
Absent: Linda Lashley, Bob Harper, Vestal Lewis
Guests: James Tormey, former chairman of the search committee, and Elizabeth and Harold A. Brauer.
Elizabeth (Skeeter) Brauer spoke about the need to compile a booklet on the stained glass windows in the church building, and the need to have a photographer to take pictures of the windows. She also spoke to the need to remove the board in front of the St. John’s window in the church building. The matter was referred to the Junior Warden for immediate action.
The Treasurer’s report was given by the Treasurer, Connie Heath, who reported a bank balance of $27,355.95 as of August 14th, 2001. St. John’s income and expense statement for the month ending July 31st 2001 was distributed and discussed. The Treasurer also distributed a special accounts report, a Hoffman House report, and a list of all special funds and accounts.
Jim Tormey thanked the vestry for the dinner in July recognizing the search committee for its work. Mr. Tormey also recommended that the vestry pay an additional $1,000.00 to John Eidam for his work as search committee consultant. A motion was made, seconded, and passed that a $1,000.00 bonus be given to John Eidam for his work with the search committee. The bonus is to be paid out of the search committee budget.
The Junior Warden reported on the efforts to purchase the Horseman (florist) building. He reported that the owner turned down the latest offer from St. John’s, but we continue to have the possibility of dialogue with the owner.
Interim Rector’s report: Willie Parker, the Sexton, will be given three weeks of paid vacation. He also received an $800.00 gift on the occasion of his 80th birthday. She also reported that St. John’s will need to consider a replacement for Willie Parker in the very near future. She then reported that there is on the special funds list the food cupboard and that there has been little activity in this fund. She recommended that the account be closed and that the money be given to Hampton Ecumenical Lodging and Provisions (H.E.L.P.). a motion was made, seconded, and passed that the food cupboard account be closed and the money be used to purchase peanut butter and that the balance be given to H.E.L.P. The Interim Rector further reported that the tower and the basement in the parish house will be cleaned and that Peggy Hayes has cleaned the kitchen. She also reported that a new desk has been purchased for Pat Saunders and that Saturday, August 18th, 2001 will be scrub-up day at the parish house.
The Interim Rector asked the vestry to pick up her healthcare coverage until the end of 2001. A motion was made, seconded, and passed that St. John’s Church pay for Marni Schneider’s healthcare coverage until the end of 2001. She then stated that two new wireless microphones have been ordered.
Junior Warden’s report: The report was given by Bill Terrill, Junior Warden, who reported that the sidewalk has been repaired where needed and that he has toured the building and grounds. He also stated that the vestry will need to decide what use should be made of the parish house bell tower.
Billie Paxton Einselen, Senior Warden, gave the Senior Warden’s report. She reported as follows:
1) The contract with Keith Adams has been changed as follows: A) He is to receive an allowance for travel expenses in an amount not to exceed $2,400.00 per annum to be paid monthly for reimbursement. B) He is to have an expense allowance of up to $600.00 per annum for expenses incurred on behalf of St. John’s Church. 2) A Thank-you note has been received from John Eidam thanking the vestry for the July, 2001 dinner. 3) On August 26th, 2001 there will be a going-away event for Marni Schneider thanking her for her service to St. John’s church. A resolution will be prepared for the event recognizing her for her service. 4) Marni Schneider’s birthday will be celebrated by the vestry at the end of this meeting.
The following persons were elected to the Diocesan Convocation and Special Convention:
- William Mace, Delegate; Marian Blount, Alternate
- Billie Einselen, Delegate; Betty Allen, Alternate
- Bettyrene Pope, Delegate; Bob Harper, Alternate
- Hansi Haufler, Delegate; Letia Drewry, Alternate
Delegates to General Convention in 2003: There was no interest shown at this time.
The minutes for the May 30th, 2001 special vestry meeting, and the June, 2001 regular vestry meeting were approved as distributed.
Copies of the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America in the Diocese of Southern Virginia, 2000 were distributed to vestry members.
Billie Einselen spoke about free computer classes being offered to churches. The program is known as Tech Riders. Billie will put an article in the Epistle about this program.
The next regular vestry meeting will be held on September 11th, 2001 at 7:00PM at the parish house.
Closing devotions.
Adjournment.
Respectfully submitted, Nelson T. Durden, Registrar