2008 WARDEN’S REPORT

The three Warden team this year was made up of Dianne Keats, Peter Johnson and Janet Scott.  Janet is a newcomer this year and Peter returned for a third term as warden.  We would like to thank the congregation for their support, encouragement and suggestions.

The Wardens’ responsibilities are for funds, records and buildings; they supervise non-clergy alongside the Rector, review contracts and salaries,  job descriptions and working conditions.  We have three staff members, Barb Cederlund, secretary, Ulo Valdma, organist and Joan MacLeod, cleaner.  These are integral and important members of our church family, without whom our building and congregation would be much the poorer.

This year the Reverend Alexis Saunders left our employ, and took a position in Port Kells,  which left the Reverend Neil Gray our sole priest.  This issue will be addressed in the Rector’s Report.  Continuing issues this year for the Wardens has been the ongoing maintenance of our property, the rectory and church buildings.  During the year the following issues were addressed:-

We finally cleared the church of the rodent problem, and did not require the pest control company to return under the year’s warranty. $2,000 was budgeted to repair the wiring that was damaged by the rodents.  The repairs were carried out and cost only $189.63, well under budget.

Two long tables were purchased and six card tables were donated to us by the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation in thanks for the use of Griffiths Hall for their twice-yearly Bridge Lunch.

We arranged a contract with “Men in Kilts” to clean the gutters, and will consider using their services again.

We have also made arrangement with European Flooring to investigate the cost of replacing the cracked and damaged flooring in the narthex, in the pulpit area.  Partial and full replacement are being considered but no decisions have been made yet.

We had an inspection from the White Rock Fire Department, and were given a list of repairs that were deemed necessary for safety reasons.  The furnace room was cleaned out and a quick-release door opener was installed.  The fire extinguishers were examined, updated and replaced as per the list.  The dead batteries in the library emergency lights were also replaced.  The kitchen extinguisher system still requires inspection.  The list will be returned to the Fire Department with the repairs noted.

We also hired Randy Pape to repair the weatherstripping at the office entrance and the entrance door to the Griffiths Hall.  This was done from the suggestion from the Green Committee that we attempt to make our buildings more energy efficient.

Ulo Valdma and Peter Cass investigated and secured a maintenance contract for the organ.  A power box was replaced this year, and it has been reported that we will require new speakers.

The grounds and Memorial Garden have been in very good hand this year with Jackie Heilbron.  Jackie has been very conscientious in maintaining the grounds to a high standard, and has also embraced the Green philosophy of using environmental safe fertilizers and weed and insect removers.  Thanks to Jackie and all her volunteers.

Ongoing issues for the coming year will concern the Rectory.  Some of the fascia boards and siding will require replacing and/or painting.  The garage door will also require maintenance.

The highlight of the year was Neil’s 25th Anniversary of his Ordination held in June.  The church service was well attended, as was the party.  A collection was taken and Neil was presented with a new chasuble.  Special guests were the Right Reverend Jim Cruickshank, and Neil’s sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and David Francis, who came from England for the event.  The Wardens would like to thank the congregation for their generosity and their help on this occasion.

Our major fund raiser this year was the Christmas Bazaar.  We would like to thank Janet Scott and her committee once again for their hard work.  Thanks also to Betty Hansen, Priscilla Archer and the Christmas Tea committee for their work and organization.  These two Committees raised in excess of $6000 for Holy Trinity this year.  Shirley Campbell and the Choir have continued the book sale and have raised over $400 this year.  We are pleased that so many take advantage of these books and take the advice of the Green Committee to recycle - even books!

Helen Davison continues to be an excellent and conscientious treasurer, and keeps up to date with the financial picture.  This year we obtained the volunteer services of an auditor who gave us suggestions as to how to make our bookkeeping more transparent.  He was given an honorarium.  Thanks also to the counters who tally up the Sunday and Thursday collections. 

The Wardens would also like to thank those parishioners who make and honour their pledge.  We also appreciate that circumstances change and that may have to be reflected in your pledge.  We would also ask that if you are going to be away for an extended time,  please try to remember your pledge commitment.

The Wardens would like to thank all the church members who have donated time, energy and resources.  We are very appreciative of the generous benefactors, dedicated workers and encouragement given by our church members.

Respectfully submitted

Dianne Keats
Janet Scott
Peter Johnson

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