Legal Definitions - vestry

The term vestry refers to two distinct but related concepts within a church setting:

• First, it can refer to a specific room or area within a church building, often located near the altar, where clergy prepare for services, store their ceremonial robes (such as albs, stoles, and chasubles), and keep other sacred vessels or items.

• Second, it can refer to a governing body or an assembly of individuals, typically including the minister, church wardens, and elected parishioners, who are responsible for managing the administrative, financial, and operational affairs of the church.

Here are some examples to illustrate these meanings:

• Example 1 (Physical Space): Before the Sunday morning service, Reverend Davies stepped into the vestry to don his surplice and stole, ensuring all the necessary liturgical items were ready for the communion service.

  Explanation: This example illustrates the first meaning of "vestry" as the designated room within the church where the clergy prepare themselves and store their ceremonial vestments before leading worship.

• Example 2 (Governing Body/Meeting): The church's annual outreach program for the homeless was approved and funded by a unanimous vote of the vestry during their quarterly meeting, following a detailed presentation of the proposed budget and volunteer plan.

  Explanation: This demonstrates the second meaning, where the "vestry" functions as the administrative and decision-making body responsible for the church's finances, programs, and overall mission.