Vestry
The Vestry of the parish is like the Board of Directors of a corporation.
Actually, the parish is incorporated. Although it has been in existence in this place for far longer, the parish was made a parish and incorporated in 1949 as "The Rector, Wardens, and Vestrymen of St. Peter's Parish in Santa Maria, California."
That is still its official name, but we do business under the name: St. Peter's Episcopal Church.
The Rector is like the president of the board and effectively the CEO of the corporation.
The Senior Warden is Vice-President of the corporation and is appointed from the members of the Vestry by the Rector.
The Junior Warden is elected by the Vestry members and serves in the absence of the Senior Warden.
There is a Clerk of the Vestry, who serves as Secretary.
The Treasurer is appointed by the Vestry and oversees the work of a bookkeeper and a Finance Committee.
Members of the Vestry are elected by members of the parish gathered in Annual Meeting each January. Members serve for a 3-year term.
