Wardens' Handbook

Becoming a Church Warden:

There are two ways to become a Church Warden: by appointment or by election.

The Incumbent appoints the Rector’s Warden.

The Peoples’ Warden is nominated and elected at the Parish Annual Meeting, usually by a show of hands, although a ballot may be called for.

There may also be an Assistant Warden, elected in the same manner as the Peoples’ Warden at the Parish Annual Meeting.

Per Canon 5.53, if either the Incumbent or the Parishioners fail to fill a vacancy in the office of Church Warden, then the Vestry may appoint the Rector’s Warden to fill the vacancy and the Incumbent may appoint a People’s Warden to fill the vacancy.

Subject to Canon 5.47, the tenure of office of a church Warden at any time shall not normally exceed three (3) consecutive years.

In a two–Warden Parish, Wardens should be elected or appointed for a two year staggered term; that is, both Wardens should not be elected/appointed at the same time. In a three–Warden Parish, most often the Assistant Warden is elected in anticipation of serving for a three year term: one year as Assistant Warden (elected), one year as Peoples’ Warden (re–elected) and the third year as Rector’s Warden (appointed). Note that this ‘progression’ is not automatic.

A Warden may be re–appointed or re–elected to office after a break of two years from his/her term of office.

Installation of Church Wardens

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[Notes to the reader: Throughout this document the word "responsible" is used when defining a warden’s functions and duties. This does not mean that the warden must carry out a specific function or duty; rather, the warden must ensure that the function or duty is carried out.

It is our intent that this document will be reviewed and updated at a minimum of every ten (10) years.]