The Vestry

The vestry is the legal representative of the parish with regard to all matters pertaining to its corporate property. The number of vestry members and the term of office varies from parish to parish. Christ Episcopal Church Cordele has six Vestry members who are elected at the annual parish meeting.

The presiding officer of the vestry is the rector. Christ Episcopal Church Cordele does not have a full-time rector. Currently, Supply Priests, retired Episcopal Priests, serve each Sunday on a rotating basis. There are 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 secretary or clerk may be chosen.

These officers may or may not be vestry members. 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.

Members of the vestry at Christ Episcopal Church Cordele serve for a period of three years. Vestry elections are held each January when two members roll off and two new members are elected.