The regular meeting of the vestry of St. John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton, Virginia was held at the parish house on March 12, 2002. The Rev. Keith N. Adams, Rector, presiding.
Vestry members present were Marian Blount; Nelson T. Durden, Registrar; Billie Einselen, Senior Warden; Bob Harper; Hansi Haufler; Linda Lashley; Connie Heath, Treasurer; Vestal Lewis; Bill Mace; Bettyrene Pope; Mary Ellen Sawyer; Eric Stewart; W.L. (Bill) Terrill, Junior Warden; and Keith N. Adams, Rector.
Absent Richard Hayes.
Devotions were led by Bill Mace.
The minutes of the February 2002 regular vestry meeting were approved as amended.
The Rector expressed pastoral concerns.
Old Business: Concerning the finance committee structure as proposed by Bill Mace – a motion was made, seconded, and passed that the structure of the finance committee be approved with noted changes. (See attachment 1)
Blackiston Estate – The Rector reported that he has been in contact with the Blackiston family in regard to the $5,000.00 left by Henry Blackiston to St. John’s Church. The Rector proposed removing the old playground equipment outside his office window and using the area for a memorial garden for the cemetery and church. Pam Dannon (a landscaper) has drafted a proposal of plants and structures that would have year-round appeal and would not require much light or rain. The proposal was distributed. Her design would require about $1,000 worth of plants and whatever it would cost to repair the brick wall facing the cemetery. The Rector also proposed that the remainder of the money and additional money could be used to fence in the area between the jail and parish house and that a new, safer playground set could be built. The Rector reported that the Blackistons are very happy with the idea and there are other parishioners willing to donate to the project. The Rector will follow-up. The Rector also reported that the confirmation class will clear the area and that the total cost of the project will be approximately $2,000.00.
Telephone Campaign – There was a general conversation about the comments received by the vestry members during the vestry telephone campaign.
Treasurer’s Report – Connie Heath, Treasurer, reported that there was $57,793.25 in the bank account as of March 12, 2002. She also reported 171 pledges have been received for this year’s campaign, totaling $338,612.00. She then distributed and explained the St. John’s income and expense statement for the period ending February 28, 2002; special accounts report; and Hoffman House Report.
The Outreach Commission was given by the Treasurer. A motion was made, seconded and passed that the February 2002 recommendations from the Outreach Commission be approved. (See attachment 2)
Junior Warden’s Report – the Junior Warden reported that he will get a structural engineer to look at the parish house, and that a lot of small things need to be done.
Senior Warden’s Report – The Senior Warden reported that there has been a problem with handicap parking. After discussion it was decided that there will be a place located in the church parking lot designated for handicap and senior parking on Sundays. Finally she advised the vestry that St. John’s will host a workshop for the National Trust for Historical Preservation on March 13th, 2002.
Rector’s Report – The Rector reported as follows, to wit:
- He will be sending more stuff to the vestry via email.
- The Confirmation Class has nineteen members.
- He has received a letter from Jim Tormey suggesting a brass plaque to commemorate William Parker’s seventy years of service to St. John’s Church and that the plaque be mounted in the parish house near the tower. A copy of what the plaque will look like was distributed. The total cost would be $600.00. After discussion a motion was made, seconded and passed that a brass plaque commemorating William Parker’s service to St. John’s church be approved for a total cost of $600.00.
- Bishop’s Day with the vestry and wardens will be at the Church of the Advent, Norfolk, VA on March 23rd, 2002.
- Salary review for Tommy Rowe – a motion was made, seconded and passed that the salary for Tommy Rowe be increased to $5,400.00 per annum.
- Salary review for Kelley Riebel – There is no recommendation for an increase in her hourly rate at this time, but it is recommended that her hours be increased by 2 1/2 hours per week to 22 1/2 hours per week. A motion was made, seconded and passed that Kelley Riebel’s hours be increased to 22 1/2 per week and that her hourly rate remain the same.
Other – Bill Mace felt that a report should be given on the recent Diocesan Council. He also distributed a historical comparison of aggregate parish pledges and operating revenue. Lastly he commented on an effort at council to do away with the confirmation as a requirement to being a church member. The effort failed.
Thank you to Billie Einselen for dessert.
Adjournment
Nelson T. Durden, Registrar