The vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on March 21, 2017 at 6:32 pm. Present were members David Edmonson, Bettyrene Pope, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander, The Reverend Mark Riley, Pat Dennehey, Bob Harper, Mary Pat-Croft, Whiting Chisman Jr., Duncan Garnett, Rose Hobart, and Treasurer Linda Curtis. Absent were Bill Brown and Youth Representative, Will Olson. Also in attendance were several guests from the Hampton Downtown Association.
Before the meeting began a short presentation was made by Alison Alexander from the Hampton Downtown Association to present the association’s vision for revitalizing the downtown Hampton area through increased housing and businesses.
After the presentation, Samantha led us in prayer and a short scripture lesson.
Treasurer’s Report
Linda went over the financials for February and noted the following:
- The amount pledged year to date was up, however income from non pledge was down.
- Loose plate giving is on track for the year.
- We continue with our pledge to the Diocese.
- Utilities were up slightly, but this is being attributed to the extra use of the parish house during Night’s Welcome.
February minutes were reviewed. Bettyrene moved that the minutes be approved. Mary Pat seconded the motion and it passed.
Rector’s Report
Samantha led us in a short discussion on how important prayer and scripture are at vestry meetings and hope this continues in the meetings to come.
Officers were elected with the following results:
- Samantha mentioned that Linda Curtis would continue in her role as Treasurer.
- For the office of Registrar- Samantha mentioned that Pat Dennehey had asked to be Registrar. Bob Harper made a motion to elect Pat Dennehey to the office of Registrar, seconded by Whiting Chisman Jr. Voice vote was made and Pat Dennehey was elected Registrar.
- For the office of Senior Warden Bob Harper was nominated by Bettyrene Pope, seconded by Whiting Chisman Jr. Whiting Chisman Jr. nominated Duncan Garnett but Duncan asked to have his name withdrawn. Voice vote was cast and Bob Harper was elected as Senior Warden.
- For the office of Junior Warden Bob Harper moved that Bettyrene Pope continue in that position, Rose Hobart seconded the motion. Voice vote was cast and Bettyrene Pope was elected to continue as Junior Warden.
Bob Harper asked that a motion to the By Laws be made to have officer elections held at the February Vestry meeting. The current reading in the By-Laws has officer elections occurring at the March Meeting. Whiting Chisman Jr. moved on this motion, seconded by Duncan Garnett. A unanimous voice vote was made and the motion carried.
Another request was made concerning the role of the Rector with regards to voting and after some discussion it was decided to table this until the April meeting.
As a follow up to some recommendations made by Bill Saunders’ at our February concerning the safety of Trust Documents and other important assets of St. John’s. It was decided the church silver would be moved from Sun Trust Bank to Old Point Bank. The acquisition of a safety deposit box was further discussed as well as the storing of documents in the Church with provisions to check on the current safes fireproofing. Bob Harper mentioned that he has pictures of all of St. John’s stained glass windows in safekeeping.
The vestry also saw the importance of hearing about the churches other trusts, and will look at making arrangements to hear from them.
Samantha presented a list of the churches 8 committees and asked vestry members to select their first and second choices on which committee they would like to liaison with. She will go through our choices and select committee assignments accordingly.
St. Johns will be involved in, Pinwheels for Prevention in April. This is an awareness event on child abuse and pinwheels will be placed on our property to help amplify this awareness. The contact person is Phyllis Henry.
August 25, 2017 was selected as the date for the Vestry retreat at Camp Chanco.
Assistant Rector’s Report
Mark confirmed that July 9, 2017 is our date for Stop Hunger Now. A contract has been signed and 40 volunteers will be needed to make this happen.
An Archeologist from CNU has expressed interest in visiting St. John’s second site. Mark will keep us posted on what type of work he wishes to do.
Junior Warden Report
Bettyrene’s report showed continued installment of LED lights around the church and Parish House.
The Christian Formations Office was treated for mold and repainted. Repair of ceiling and wall in the corner of stage was done. EXIT sign batteries were replaced and work on the Handicapped and Sunday School door were done to facilitate easier closing. Bettyrene asked for a proposal from Hudson and Associates and Q Design to serve as architects for the upcoming project. Hudson Associates declined. Q Design will get back to us. A meeting with Q Design is scheduled for March 24, 2017. G.T. Houston was contacted to submit roof proposals for repair work that needs to be done to the Parish House.
Whiting Chisman Jr. said that the Mary Williams Trust would like to work with Q Design.
Senior Warden Report
Bob expressed how excited he was to be back on the Vestry and to help keep St. John’s moving forward.
He mentioned attending the March 4, 2017 Vestry Training. Some 30 to 40 Parishes were represented and the Bishop was in attendance as well. The Bishop mentioned the importance of the Diocese in its support to the Parishes.
Other Business
Discussion of the importance of growing the church.
Samantha closed with prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 8:06 pm
Submitted by Patrick Dennehey, Registrar