The regular meeting of the vestry of St. John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton, VA was held on August 8, 2000. The Reverend Richard L. Vinson, Interim Rector, called the meeting to order at 7:00PM.
Those present were Richard Hayes, Vestal Lewis, Frank Edgar, Sr., Lew Vermillion, Leo Vaisvil, Marian Blount, Keith Hatch, Linda Eanes, Mary Ellen Sawyer, Hansi Haufler, Nelson T Durden, Bob Harper, and Billie Einselen. Absent: Dan Clark
Guests Present: Larry Cumming and Rick Harman
Devotions were given by Rick Vinson.
Financial Reports: The financial report was given by Rick Harman who distributed and explained the St. John’s income and expense statement, for the month ending July 31, 2000; the Special Accounts reports, as of July 2000; and the Hoffman House report, as of July, 2000. He also stated that the bank balance was $30, 456.60 as of August 2, 2000. Mr. Vinson gave the following report on the activity of the discretionary fund for the previous month: $390.00 income 417.57 expenses 2894.44 current balance.
An in-depth presentation on the status of the purchase of the Horseman building by St. John’s was given by Larry Cumming and Rick Harman, which was followed by a lengthy question-and-answer period. Mr. Cumming and Mr. Harman reported that the committee investigating the purchase recommended that St. John’s offer $270,000.00 to purchase the Horseman building. A motion was made, seconded, and passed unanimously that St. John’s adopt the committee recommendation.
The minutes of the regular vestry meeting held on June 13, 2000 were approved as corrected.
Interim Rector’s Report: Mr. Vinson reported that he had a good vacation. Mr. Vinson, next, introduced a resolution in regard to St. John’s participation in the 400th anniversary commemoration in 2007, of the first permanent English settlement on the North American continent at Jamestown, VA After discussion a motion was made, seconded, and passed that the resolution be adopted. (See Attachment) Mr. Vinson further reported that a similar resolution will be presented at the next annual Diocesan Council. Mr. Vinson stated that there will be a special council in September, 2000 at Camp Chanco to begin the search for a suffragen bishop and to show off Camp Chanco. A motion was made, seconded, and passed that St. John’s deputize the present existing delegates and alternate delegates to council to attend the September 2000 special council. Mr. Vinson then distributed the following information form the search committee:
I) Challenges: Preparation for our Fifth Century. (This information was amended after it was distributed) On July 15th, 2010 this parish will be four hundred years old; the oldest continuous Anglican parish on the North American continent. Also, in the year 2010 the City of Hampton will celebrate its founding. Because St. John’s Church is virtually the only landmark remaining in Hampton from colonial times, it will be the focus of considerable attention in civic as well as church commemoration events. This applies not only for 2010 celebrations but also for the 2007 commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, VA, the first permanent English settlement on the North American continent.
St. John’s is challenged to prepare itself for these celebrations, not just as a historic landmark but as a living part of the Church of Jesus Christ. While we will honor the past, we will be rededicating ourselves to the future and must begin now to prepare for that future. Our goal is to have the buildings, staff, programs, and resources in place by 20 l O to support the spiritual needs of our congregation. To this end, in all likelihood, there will be a capital campaign which will support this goal.
2) Challenges: Staffing (see Attachment)
Senior Warden: A meeting will be held on August 23rd, 2000 to develop the beginning of a discussion on working together with other Episcopal churches in Hampton.
Old Business
Parish House Ramp update and proposal. St. John’s has an estimate in the amount of $20,368.00 to build the ramp. This figure includes all work except re-working the door, which would cost an additional $1,500.00. There was a discussion about he ramp and how to finance the cost to construct the ramp. A motion was made, seconded, and passed that the vestry accept the bid including the cost of reworking the door in the amount of $21,868.00.
Commission Design: Mr. Vinson announced that, if at all possible, Vestry members will receive their first choice as to which division they wish to serve.
New Business
There will be a Diocesan Jubilee on October 7th, 2000 to raise money for the Diocesan Office and Gunn Conference Center.
Marian Blount expressed a concern about no attention being paid to two visitors at a recent 10:00AM church service.
Mr. Vinson distributed information on Training/Orientation for committee oversight. (See Attachment).
Favorable comments were made about the young people who had been staying at St. John’s while working with Habitat for Humanity.
Adjournment at 9: 15PM
Respectfully submitted
Nelson T. Durden, Registrar