Epiphany Church “Town Meeting” August 3 2008

The meeting began at 11:20 with an opening prayer.

The first order of business was information about the Columbarium. The construction has been delayed since its purchase and will have to be addressed in the very near future. This will involve money and physical effort on the part of the entire congregation.

The original plans to build it on the liturgical east wall are no longer an option. The bishop has suggested that we reconsider the location for the columbarium. His original agreement was due to a misunderstanding.

The vestry met in July and after lengthy discussion on the matter decided on creating a chapel within the sanctuary. The option of an outside memorial garden was discarded after the question of modification costs and the possibility of vandalism were brought up.

The cost of creating a small chapel in the sanctuary is estimated between $3,000 and $6,500. We do not have these funds but have to go on faith as we did when the organ was purchased. The chapel would be by the side door; adjacent to it on the same wall in the “east” wall corner would be the sacristy. The choir could be behind the altar. Opposite the chapel and sacristy would be the vestment room (choir and acolyte robes). The wall that is presently behind the altar would be taken out. Father De explained that during the renovations services could continue without interruption.

A lively discussion followed. Father De, Jim and Jack provided as much detail as possible emphasizing that the plan distributed was simply a proposal, not to scale and certainly not a contract “written in stone”. People were curious to know what would happen to the cross on the back wall, what would happen to the retable and all that was on that wall, how would the altar be reorganized etc.

Jack passed around a photo of what the columbarium would look like once assembled in response to a question from the floor. He told us that the columbarium is not full, there are spaces available and extensions are possible. It was also noted that once space is bought there is no need to purchase an urn as one is provided with the niche. A question was raised about the possibility of interring ashes in the memorial garden. This will have to be put to local and state authorities.

The down to earth practicalities were discussed. It will be necessary to apply for a renovation permit because there will be modifications to the electrical wiring, the plumbing and access to the exits.

Jim expressed thanks on behalf of the congregation to Jack for all the work that he has put into this project since the beginning.

The bishop will be at Epiphany in November and Father De would love to be able to show him finished projects:

v      The sign out front – already completed

v      The storage shed – ready for inspection

v      The columbarium – still in project phase

Father De mentioned that we could use the stained glass windows from the old church with back lighting to show them off.

Various members of the congregation proposed different solutions:

v      Moving the “west” wall of the sanctuary– too expensive

v      A chapel in St Joseph’s Hall – too small and likely to be renovated

v      The parish hall – too small and noisy and likely to be renovated if we move the “west” wall of the sanctuary.

Father De reminded the congregation that a columbarium is a permanent resting place. Once interred the remains should not be disturbed. There are advantages to the current plan on a long-term basis:

1.       We gain space for a few more pews

2.      When no longer need diocesan financial help and become a parish we will be able to afford to move the west wall to expand the sanctuary.

Sybil mentioned that it would make the altar servers life easier.

We know that the funds are not yet available but there are some monies from Edyth Dalton’s memorial. Everyone will have to step up and see that it gets done.

The quarterly financial situation is in the bulletin. While not yet in the black we are doing better in the second quarter than in the first.

The vicar reiterated what was explained at the 1^st town hall meeting, that his salary and housing expenses were the major factor in the expense column. We have to work together, continue to give, and expand the membership.

Jack mentioned the car boot sale. There were 7 paying spots but that there had been glitches in the advertising. Most of the buyers were drop bys mainly brought in by the signs. David brought up the fellowship aspect and the fun we all had. We hope to have a full parking lot when it becomes a known event.

Father De closed the meeting by asking if anyone had a gripe to bring up. “Attacks” and backbiting are a distraction to the well being of the church. If anyone had something to say he asked that it be brought open to the congregation so that the problem could be resolved.

Jerry suggested that the money for projects be raised before renovations to assure the financial health of Epiphany. Carrie asked if an architectural plan was needed and received a positive answer and offered $1,000 to start things off.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:10 pm and the congregation adjourned to brunch.

Respectfully submitted,

Nancy Delierre