Cathedral Direction and Oversight
The Chapter is the primary governing body of the Cathedral. The Chapter is similar to a board of directors or a parish council (Vestry in Episcopal Church terminology). But the Chapter is more than that. At its heart it is a group of 12 elected Cathedral members who commit to be good stewards of the Cathedral’s resources and model discipleship through regular attendance at worship, participation in the broader life of the congregation, and prayer. Chapter members embrace the Cathedral’s mission, operate as directors of its corporation, listen to praise and concerns of parishioners, and provide counsel to the Dean. They value the Cathedral’s history, live into the challenges of the present, and plan for the future.
Twelve chapter members are elected for three-year terms. Those elections occur at the annual meeting. There are also officers. The Senior Warden, a leadership role, is appointed by the Dean and is one of the regular elected members. The Junior Warden is elected from among the members of Chapter. Ex-officio members include the Chancellor, Treasurer, and Priest Associate. The Chapter normally meets the third Tuesday of each month and meetings are open to visitors except when an executive session is necessary. The Bishop is the president of the Cathedral Corporation, but traditionally the Dean presides at Chapter meetings.
How does one become a Chapter Member?
They must first be nominated by a member of the Cathedral or self-nominate with the support of parishioners.
Who qualifies?
Each nominee must meet the following criteria:
- A communicant of legal age (16 or older) in good standing in the Episcopal Church, being regular in prayer and congregational worship.
- A regular contributor of record to the parish, and a participant in the Stewardship Program.
What are the Expectations for Chapter Members during their three year term?
- Attend Chapter Orientation.
- Attend monthly Chapter Meetings.
- Attend Committee meetings in which you have agreed to participate.
- Be available to parishioners at parish events.
Current Elected Leadership
The current members of the Chapter, and the year their term expires, are:
- Elliott Briggs 2023
- Cindy Duncan 2023
- Cheryl-Anne Millsap 2023
- Meredith Shimizu 2023
- Nina Beegle 2024
- Charlie Byers 2024
- Andriene Sterlington 2024
- Tom Stice 2024
- Dale Cloniger 2025
- Virgil Dedas 2025
- Ann Harder 2025
- James Rosenzweig 2025
Lay leadership positions include:
- Senior Warden - Charlie Byers
- Junior Warden - Nina Beegle
- Chancellor - Mike Church
- Treasurer - Karen Martin
Additional Committees and Organizations
The Chapter coordinates with several committees:
- Adult Faith Formation
- Cathedral Life
- Children, Youth & Families
- Communications
- Finance
- Outreach
- Property
- Stewardship
As with most organizations, the committees vary in their activity and regularity of meeting. Assorted task forces, teams, and other groups form, as needed, to provide special events, new programs, etc.
The Service League coordinates efforts of the Cathedral Guilds, which are groups that gather for fellowship, learning, and service to the Cathedral and wider community. The annual Christmas Faire and Bazaar is led by the Service League. The Windfall, a thrift store in the Perry district, is managed by the Service League.
The Cathedral and its Chapter also connect with two separate organizations, each with its own board, that have historic ties to the Cathedral. These are:
- St. John's Foundation, whose mission is to serve as a private foundation, to invest wisely and with an eye to well-rounded stewardship of gifts entrusted to it, and to provide funds, as directed by condition, restriction, or trust directions, for the maintenance, ministries, education, operations, and outreach activities of the Cathedral.
- St. John's Properties, whose mission is to increase the availability of affordable housing for seniors and which provides board oversight for two HUD affordable housing developments for seniors.