ABOUT THE VESTRY

Kingston Parish's Vestry is comprised of twelve lay persons, ten elected at the Parish Annual Meeting by the congregation for three year terms and two non-voting members (Treasurer and Register) elected annually by the Vestry. No person shall act as a Vestry member until they subscribe to the following declaration and promise: "I do believe the Holy Scripture of the Old and New Testament to be the word of God, and to contain all things necessary to salvation; and I do yield my hearty assent and approbation to the doctrines, worship and discipline of The Episcopal Church; and I promise that I will faithfully execute the office of Vestry member of Kingston Parish in Region 2 in the County of Mathews, Virginia, according to my best knowledge and skill."

Canon 12 of the Diocese of Virginia entitled "Duties of Vestries" provides that "Each Vestry, as the constitutional agents of the Church, shall transact all its temporal business." Examples cited are the "making and executing of all contracts" relating to property; regulating church cemeteries; establishing a Finance Committee; and observing Canon 13 - Business Methods in Church Affairs. It also provides that "Each Vestry shall cooperate with the Rector or Vicar in promoting the spiritual welfare of his cure and assist him in his duties as defined in 1997 General Convention Canon III.14." (ed.: See 2003 General Convention Canon III.9.5. )  

You can review the current text of the Constitution and Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Virginia here. The current text of the Constitution and Canons of the General Convention of the Episcopal Church are available here. 

CURRENT KINGSTON PARISH VESTRY