I am conscious of the great honour and considerable responsibility that has become mine on being elected Churchwarden at the Annual Meeting of Parishioners on 14th April 2002.

The title churchwarden first appears in English in 1494, but this is an ancient office with records of such appointments dating back to the 13th century. (The Parochial Church Council is a newcomer, having not been empowered until 1921.)

The churchwarden has a mixture of legal, spiritual and pastoral responsibilities, as well as a need to look after the Church and its contents.

The duties of the churchwardens, usually two to a parish, are set out in Canon Law and make formidable reading. "The churchwardens, when admitted, are the officers of the ordinary; the ordinary being the Bishop. 'They shall discharge such duties and responsibilities as are by law and custom assigned to them". The law is universal, but custom varies considerably from parish to parish. The churchwardens maintain an inventory or 'terrier' of the fabric and possessions of the church. They furnish the Bishop with an annual return and a copy of the inventory as required, and update it to note any alterations, additions and repairs. They are required to inspect the church buildings and all articles belonging to them at least annually and to make an annual report on the fabric to the PCC. They are the legal owners of the contents of the church and thereby responsible for their upkeep.

One of the less weighty duties is the allocation of all seats in the nave of the church, though this is one that could require considerable tact! But, "they shall be foremost in representing the laity and in co-operating with the incumbent"; "they shall use their best endeavours by example and by precept to encourage the parishioners in the practice of true religion"; "and promote peace and unity among them". "They shall maintain order and decency in the church and churchyard, especially during times of divine services".

In a recent publication, some desirable qualities for a churchwarden were noted to be "undivided loyalty to the Church and the priest", "being a person of prayer and able to see things from a spiritual point of view" and "from a practical point of view, know the location of the stopcocks and electrical fuse boxes"!

l am honoured and also aware of the enormous significance of the responsibilities that I have taken on as the new churchwarden of St. James's. With God's support, I shall do all that I can to fulfil the duties that the parish has vested in me.

Source: Rodney Taylor, The Spire Magazine - 2002 June