Lay Leadership and Governance at St. Paul's Church

In Episcopal church parishes, the Vestry is the legal representative of the parish with regard to all matters pertaining to its corporate property. At St. Paul's Church, typically 12 members plus the Rector constitute the Vestry. Vestry members are elected at the annual parish meeting held in January and serve a term of three years.

The presiding officer of the Vestry is the Rector. There are usually two wardens. The senior warden leads the parish between Rectors and is a support person for the Rector. The junior warden has responsibility for church property and buildings. A treasurer and a clerk are also chosen. The basic responsibilities of the Vestry are to help define and articulate the mission of the congregation; to support the church’s mission by word and deed, to select the Rector, to ensure effective organization and planning, and to manage resources and finances.