Vestry & Committee Heads

St. Andrew's Vestry

The name "vestry" comes from the room in the church building in which the vestments were kept. Centuries ago in England, this room was used for meetings at which all members of the parish could discuss church affairs with the rector (or vicar) and wardens. Such meetings were called "vestry meetings." As time went on, the custom developed of having the members of the parish represented, in such meetings, by a smaller group called the "select vestry." Those who made up this group were called the "select vestrymen." Still later the word "select" was dropped, and the name vestrymen came to refer to that small group of laypersons who, as representatives of all members of the parish, met periodically with the rector and warden(s) to discuss the affairs of the parish. Currently, the term "vestry" refers to the total group including the rector, the warden(s) and other vestry members. (St. Andrew's By-Laws)