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A Short History of the Vestry

The Vestry is a group of people elected by the Congregation and charged with the responsibility of assisting and supporting the Rector in the day-to-day management of the Parish. These dedicated individuals are responsible for the stewardship of the Church assets and assuring that the parish remains strong so that its ministry can continue into the future.

Members of the Vestry are elected for a three year period, with experienced members training those newly elected. The Vestry provides a link between the Rector and the Congregation; the importance of which cannot be understated.

In addition, two Wardens are elected for a two year term, who, in the absence of the Rector, are responsible for assuring that services are provided to the congregation.  The vestry meets on the third Monday of every month.

A Short History of the Church

The Venerable Robert Weeks, Archdeacon of Suffolk, reported to the Diocesan Convention in 1889 that, "On the first Sunday in May a new mission was begun and services for the first time were held in the Moriches.” Services continued at various locations, and in 1898 the congregation purchased a lot and school building from the school district. This is the present Church building. The purchase price was $900.00.

Services continued under a variety of clergy, and the congregation continued to grow. During this time the Moriches grew as well, and new people brought with them the need for additional community and religious services.

In 1969, the Church building was renovated and redecorated; this included repair of the stained glass windows. On October 13, 1967, Bishop Sherman designated the name of the mission as St. John the Baptist. This was done in an effort to avoid confusion with the Roman Catholic Church, also located in Center Moriches.

In February 1988, the mission applied for, and was granted, parish status, and was admitted as a parish at that year's Diocesan Convention. Since that time, the parish has actively participated in local and diocesan programs focusing on Church growth, congregational development and community service.

Volunteers

Kim Hennessey, Warden
Ed Champ, Warden

Beverly Perkowski, Treasurer
Colleen Calandra, Youth Ministry
Diane Van Velsor, Stewardship
Jillian Reynolds, Clerk

Current Vestry Members

Ken Dobert
Rudy Dechert
Janet Norton
Linda O’Brien
Donna Reidy
Kristen Romond
Diane VanVelsor