Description
The vestry is the governing body of an Episcopal church; it is comprised of the rector and members of the congregation elected by other congregants.
The vestry minutes begin with a copy of the 1832 Act by the Pennsylvania legislature which separated Christ Church and St. Peter's Church into two separate entities. Minutes from the vestry meetings from 1832 to 1852 follow, containing the dates and locations of the meetings, members present, and business discussed. Topics covered include but are not limited to: the settlement of separate financial accounts following the split from Christ Church, the hiring of a new minister and assistant minister, election of vestrymen and appointment of organist and choir, purchase of a new building to house the Sunday school, collection of pew rents, improvement of burial grounds, management of the church's charity fund, and committee reports.