We looked at the security and maintenance of the Church Clock. Mr. Eustace Caines brought us up to date on the details of its operation and for this we were extremely grateful. At the same time, plans for the Parish Bazaar were examined in depth and the members of the Vestry took the opportunity to discuss issues related to each stall.

Discussion on the Church Organ took much time especially as we considered ordering a blower. The one which we are using presently is very old and is deteriorating rapidly. It will cost some US$7,000.00 to replace, but we recognize that it is necessary for the maintenance of the organ, as well as for the use of the entire community. Our organ has been described by the experts as a ‘treasure’ and we have to treat is as such. What is more, several important events are to take place in the months ahead, not least the celebration of the 150th. Anniversary of our Church in March, 2009; that gives us a little over a year to plan. A committee is being put in place and a meeting is to be called before year-end, to plan for this special observance. If you wish to serve in this capacity, please inform the Clergy.

We also focused on Youth Ministry in the Parish and in the Diocese, recognizing that at Clergy Conference in Aruba, a decision was taken to aid the Diocese in its Youth Ministry projects. Accordingly, we voted US $1000.00 towards the Youth Ministry Appeal.

I know that our sisters and brothers at St. Barnabas are particularly pleased to learn that time was spent discussing various ways to improve their church. Consequently, it was decided that four sets of vestments were to be ordered for St. Barnabas with immediate effect, as those being used presently have served well in their generation The electrical wiring has to be examined for any faults, and electrical fans are to be installed at the back and in the sanctuary. No decision was made with respect to the moist areas where the paint is beginning to peel off again – it was only painted about two years ago! We responded to various applications as we saw fit in order to provide as much emotional and material help as we a were able.

Under ‘Any Other Business’ it was decided that schools and other educational institutions who use St. George’s Church for Graduations, Speech Day events, Prize-Giving ceremonies, Sacred Concerts and special Services, will be asked to pay a fee towards the maintenance and upkeep of the church-building. We will continue to provide free of cost in the cause of education, electricity, water, the piano, toilet facilities etc. We sincerely hope therefore, that we can be of on-going service to the community and to those institutions whom we have supported in the past.

At the meeting, it was announced that The Thirty-Sixth Session of the Synod of the Church in the Province of the West Indies, would be convening in St. John’s Antigua, under the Chairmanship of Archbishop Drexel Wellington Gomez. The Opening Service will take place at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, on Sunday, 25th November, at 4.00 p.m. and congregations were to be informed of this, and invited to attend.

These were some of the many thorny issues which occupied our attention and informed our decision-making for just about three hours, on Monday, 8th October, and which I commend to you for your prayerful support.

With all good wishes and prayers,

Archdeacon Val Hodge