BY-LAWS OF THE FIRST PARISH

YORK, MAINE

(Last Revised: November 10, 2004)

Article I

Name

The name of this organization shall be the First Parish in York, Maine.

Article II

Purpose

The purpose of the First Parish in York is to retain the historic aspects of the Parish, which are to provide for the Gospel ministry in this community, to preserve and maintain the real and personal property for the use of the First Parish Congregational Church, elect officers and committees for the proper administration of Parish affairs and, in conjunction with the Church, to call a minister(s). The Parish endorses the church mission statement. Our purpose is further expressed in our church mission statement:

The mission of our church is to create a fellowship

that celebrates and reflects the presence of Christ.

Through worship and spiritual growth,

we will equip ourselves

and go forth to share God’s love in word and deed,

within our community and throughout the world.

Article III

Meetings

There shall be an Annual Meeting of the Parish for the election of officers and committees and for a review of the activities in the Parish during the past year. The meeting shall be held in early February unless otherwise recommended by the Assessors. At the Annual Meeting, written reports shall be presented by the Clerk, Treasurer, Assessors and all committee chairs. The Parish Treasurer shall at this time render a written report of all funds received, from what source, and all disbursements made during the calendar year. The members of the Investment Committee and the Cemetery Trustees shall present written reports concerning income and disbursements. Chairs of all other committees shall also render a written report of their activities and if any funds are involved a report of income and disbursements shall be included.

Article IV

Special Meetings

A Special Meeting of the Parish may be called by the Assessors at any time or at the request of ten (10) active members of the Parish. A Warrant of such meeting must be posted on the door of the Meeting House at least seven (7) days before said meeting. The meeting must also be announced during Sunday worship services, again at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If extenuating circumstances arise the seven (7) days may be waived by the Assessors.

Article V

Quorum

A quorum at either the Annual Meeting or a Special Meeting shall be thirty (30) active members.

Article VI

Moderator

The Moderator of the Annual or Special Meeting shall be elected from the floor and by a majority of those present and voting.

Article VII

Officers

The Officers of the Parish shall be--five (5) Assessors, a Clerk, a Treasurer, the Chair of the Collection Committee, and the Financial Secretary. All Officers except the Assessors shall be elected at the Annual Meeting of the Parish for a term of (1) year, which shall begin on the March 1 following the Annual Meeting. The Assessors shall be elected for a term of three years. The Assessors shall designate their chair. Terms for the Assessors and Cemetery Trustees are to be staggered. As each term of office as an Assessor expires he/she shall not be eligible for re-election for one (1) year unless the Nominating Committee is unable to present a new candidate for the office of Assessor.

Article VIII

Vacancies

The Assessors may fill any vacancies of Parish Officers or committees, caused by resignation or otherwise, by appointment at a duly constituted meeting of Assessors, called for such purpose and by majority vote of them. Such appointees shall serve in such offices/committees until the next Annual Meeting of the Parish then following.

Article IX

Duties of Officers and Committees

A. ASSESSORS

The Assessors shall be the Executive Committee of the Parish. They shall be responsible for the proper use and maintenance of all property of the Parish. They shall act on behalf of the Parish in carrying out the wishes of the Parish, prepare a Parish budget, and shall be responsible for the provision of adequate funds to meet the financial obligations of the Parish. Three (3) of the five (5) Assessors shall constitute a majority. Minutes of Assessors’ meetings shall be kept in written form. They shall present a written report of their doings at the Annual Meeting. They shall have supervision of all Parish officers and Parish committees.

B. CLERK

The clerk shall keep a written record of all meetings of the Parish and post warrants of all Parish Meetings.

C. TREASURER

The Treasurer shall collect all monies due from the Parish/Church Collector, land rents, and from all Trust Funds to which the Parish is entitled. At the Annual Meeting the Treasurer shall render a written account of all monies received, from what source, and an account of all disbursements.

D. ASSISTANT TREASURER

The Assistant Treasurer shall serve the same term as the Treasurer and concurrently with the Treasurer.

E. COLLECTION COMMITTEE

A Collection Committee of no less than three (3) members will be nominated by the Assessors for approval at the Annual Meeting. They will be responsible for the counting, depositing and reporting of all church service collections. A Chair will be designated by this committee at the beginning of each year. At least two (2) members of the committee will be responsible for the accurate count of all offerings collected and be present during the counting procedure.

F. AUDITORS OF ACCOUNTS

The Auditing Committee shall consist of three (3) members. They shall audit all Parish accounts dealing with Parish funds and present a written report of their audit at the Annual Meeting. Each Auditor shall be elected for a term of three (3) years. As each term of office expires he/she shall not be eligible for re-election for one year unless the Nominating Committee is unable to present a new candidate for the office. The terms of office are to be staggered.

G. CHURCH HOUSE COMMITTEE

This Committee shall consist of up to seven (7) members. The House Committee of the Church Building shall be responsible for the clean and orderly condition of the Church and shall make recommendations, as necessary, to the Assessors. They shall set fees for the use of the Church Building by persons other than Church and Parish members for weddings, funerals, etc., in consultation with the Assessors. The terms of office of committee members shall be on the same basis as the Assessors.

H. FELLOWSHIP HALL COMMITTEE

This Committee shall consist of up to seven (7) members. They shall be responsible for the following: In conjunction with the Assessors, to see that 1) the Fellowship Hall is maintained in a clean and orderly condition, 2) exterior and interior painting are appropriately scheduled and contracted, 3) all kitchen, security, heating, electrical and plumbing equipment are evaluated periodically, 4) make such recommendations as are necessary to the Assessors for replacement and upkeep, and 5) set rental fees for Fellowship Hall in consultation with the Assessors. The Parish Treasurer shall collect rental fees, pay for custodial supplies, electrical power, bottled gas, water, garbage disposal, and other expenses related to the ongoing maintenance of the Fellowship Hall, as included in the annual expense budget. The Committee shall elect a Chair annually who shall submit a report of this committee at the Annual Meeting. The terms of office of committee members shall be on the same basis as the Assessors.

I. INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

This Committee shall consist of five (5) members. Its responsibility shall be to select an Investment Advisor to invest the portfolio funds of the Parish, Church, Diaconate and Cemetery. The Investment Advisor shall invest these funds according to the strategic guidelines and investment policy established by the Investment Committee. This Committee shall review the investments and performance during the year and report in writing at the Annual Meeting, and at other times when the Assessors deem necessary. The term of office shall be for four (4) years with membership candidates nominated by the Assessors for approval at the Annual Meeting.

J. MUSIC COMMITTEE

The Music Committee shall consist of six (6) members. This Committee shall be responsible for overseeing the music at Church Services, purchasing music for choir and organ, hymnals, maintaining choir robes, tuning of organ and hiring of choir director and organist. The chair shall render a written report at the Annual Meeting. The terms of office of committee members shall be on the same basis as the Assessors.

K. NOMINATING COMMITTEE

This Committee shall consist of three (3) members. They shall present to the Annual Meeting a complete slate of officers and committees for the ensuing year for consideration of those members present and voting. The terms of office of committee members shall be on the same basis as the Assessors.

L. PARISH HOUSE COMMITTEE

This Committee shall consist of up to five (5) members. They shall be responsible for the following: In conjunction with the Assessors, to see that 1) the Parish House and garage are maintained in a clean and orderly condition, 2) exterior and interior painting are appropriately scheduled and contracted, 3) all office, security, heating, electrical and plumbing equipment are evaluated periodically, and 4) make such recommendations as are necessary to the Assessors for replacement and upkeep. The Parish Treasurer shall pay for custodial supplies, electrical power, bottled gas, water, garbage disposal, and other expenses related to the ongoing maintenance of the Parish House, as included in the annual expense budget. The Committee shall elect a Chair annually who shall submit a report of this committee at the Annual Meeting. The terms of office of committee members shall be on the same basis as the Assessors.

M. PARSONAGE COMMITTEE

This Committee shall consist of up to five (5) members. They shall be responsible for the following: In conjunction with the Assessors, to see that 1) the Parsonage and garage are maintained in a clean and orderly condition, 2) exterior and interior painting are appropriately scheduled and contracted, 3) all kitchen, heating, electrical and plumbing equipment are evaluated periodically, and 4) make such recommendations as are necessary to the Assessors for replacement and upkeep. The Parish Treasurer shall pay for electrical power, bottled gas, water, garbage disposal, and other expenses related to the ongoing maintenance of the Parsonage, as included in the annual expense budget. The Committee shall elect a Chair annually who shall submit a report of this committee at the Annual Meeting. The terms of office of committee members shall be on the same basis as the Assessors.

N. PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE

The Committee shall consist of one Assessor, two Deacons, and one representative from the Christian Education Committee, each of these being elected by the respective bodies they represent. This committee shall be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of goals of good relations, mutual trust and open communication between the Church and the ministers in strict confidentiality. They shall hold dialogue with the ministers at regular intervals concerning the ministers’ personal and the Church’s needs, goals and expectations. The chair of this committee shall be elected by its members. The terms of office of committee members shall be on the same basis as those of the members of the bodies they represent.

O. STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

This Committee shall consist of five (5) members. The duty of this committee is to contact, if possible, all active Church and Parish members regarding their financial commitment for the operation of the local expense budget and benevolence budget for the ensuing year. They are to submit a written report of their endeavors at the Annual Meeting. The Ministers shall be ex-officio members of this committee. The terms of office of committee members shall be on the same basis as the Assessors.

Article X

Committee Chairs

The Assessors and each committee shall elect its own Chair.

Article XI

Membership

A member of the First Parish Church automatically becomes a member of the First Parish. A person may not become a member of the First Parish exclusive of the Church.

Article XII

First Parish Cemetery

The Trustees of the First Parish Cemetery shall consist of five (5) members. Their duties shall be as follows: Leasing grave lots, hiring working personnel, purchasing supplies and equipment, setting wage scale, overseeing general maintenance, receiving bequests, gifts, and income from Trust Funds. The Treasurer of this committee shall present a written report at the Annual Meeting of all income and expenditures. The terms of office of committee members shall be four (4) years. Members shall not be eligible for re-election for one (1) year unless the Nominating Committee is unable to present a new candidate.

Article XIII

Elections

Elections shall be determined by a majority of the active members present and voting. Nominations from the floor will be recognized in addition to the slate as presented by the Nominating Committee. As each term of office or committee membership shall not be eligible for re-election for one (1) year unless the Nominating Committee is unable to present a new candidate for office, excepting the Clerk and Treasurer. All nominees’ consent must be obtained prior to a vote.

Article XIV

Calling of Pastors

The calling of a new Pastor shall consist of a Pastoral Search Committee of twelve (12). The Search Committee shall be chosen at a joint meeting of the Parish and Church, and shall be elected by a majority of those present and voting. The choice of the pastor to be presented as a candidate shall be determined by a majority of the Search Committee. Immediately following the recommended candidate’s trial sermon there shall be a joint meeting of the Parish and Church to vote on his/her call as pastor. If the vote is in the affirmative, the Parish Clerk shall prepare a letter to be forwarded to the prospective pastor stating the terms of his/her ministry in York. If the vote is in the negative, the Clerk shall notify the candidate and express our regrets. The candidate shall negotiate with the Assessors in advance of the trial sermon such issues as salary, vacation, moving expenses, use of Parsonage or a housing allowance.

Article XV

Parish Warrant

The Assessors shall be responsible for the preparation, contents, and posting of the Parish Warrant. The Warrant shall be completed and ready for posting at least seven (7) days before said meeting. Parish members wishing to present articles for consideration in the Warrant may do so by presenting a written request to the Chair of the Assessors at least fourteen (14) days before said meeting, stating their desires and signed by at least five (5) active members. Notice to Parish members regarding articles for consideration shall be made three (3) weeks in advance of the Parish Meeting.

Article XVI

Amendments

Any of the foregoing By-Laws may be altered or amended by a two thirds (2/3) vote for the Parish members present and voting at the Annual Meeting or at a Special Meeting called for that purpose.