Cathedral Chapter Minutes

May 9, 2006

Present
Jessica Abell, Robert D. Black (Junior Warden), The Very Rev. Ralph T. Blackman (Dean), Debra K. Bullock, Marianne Culver (Senior Warden), Tom Eley (ex-officio), Marcus Hall, The Rev. Frances M. Holliday, Frances E. Horn, Sharon Johnson, Richard H. Kelley, Phillip Mantle, Cecilia Mowatt, Ronald Mui, Christopher Plotner and Elsa Vaintzettel (ex-officio). 

Absent
The Rev. Dr. Robert B. Clark (excused), The Rev. Sunny Lopez (Deacon), The Rev. Jackie Lynn (Deacon), The Rev. Judi Mason (Deacon), and The Rt. Rev. William Persell (Bishop).

Also Present
Bruce J. Barber, II (Director of Cathedral Music), The Rev. Peter C. Siwek (Vicar), and Debra Campbell.

The meeting was called to order at 5:48 p.m. by Ralph Blackman.  A moment was taken to hear from those who wished to share news or prayer requests with the group.

Dean Blackman offered a prayer and blessing over the meal provided by Elsa Vaintzettel.

Minutes of Previous Meetings
Copies of the minutes for the 14 March and 30 April 30 2006 meetings were distributed.

On motion made by Chris Plotner, seconded by Debra Bullock and carried, the minutes for both meetings were approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Vaintzettel presented the Profit & Loss Statement for the period ending 30 April 2006: Year-to-date, Income exceeds Expense by $16,072.  Expenses are running under projections, and this is reflected across most spending lines.

Vaintzettel submitted the current Balance Sheet, which now reflects the combined Flower Fund.

On motion made by Marianne Culver, seconded by Phillip Mantle and carried, the Treasurer’s Report as presented was approved.

Dean’s Report 
Ralph Blackman reported that the contract had been executed on 5 May 2006 for the redevelopment of the 65 East Huron site. Also, Richard Driehaus, who is renovating the Nickerson Mansion at the corner of Wabash and Erie, has offered to redo the sidewalk in front of the Cathedral (Wabash side), so it will match the sidewalk in front of the mansion.  The Dean has accepted the offer, but asked that the timing of the work be coordinated with our own building projects on the East end.

Blackman asked that members of Chapter conclude their conversations with members of the community about the proposed building projects in the Cathedral, and provide feedback via e-mail to Robert Black by 16 May 2006.  Tom Patterson will join us at the next Chapter meeting on 13 June 2006.

Staff Report
Bruce Barber reported a number of upcoming events for the community:

• Approximately 160 musicians with the Chicago Bar Association will perform Beethoven’s 9^th Symphony on 11 May 2006 at 7 p.m.
• Members of the Corsican Choir of Sartene will join the congregation on Pentecost Sunday, 4 June 2006 for Holy Eucharist at 10:30 a.m.; they will provide music prior to the service and during the Communion.
• Chicago will host the 48^th National Convention of the American Guild of Organists on 2-6 July 2006; ~2,000 church musicians are expected to attend.  St. James will offer the Service of Morning Prayer on 4 July 2006 at 8:45 a.m. as part of the convention program.
• The choir of the Cathedral Church of St. Peter in Exeter, U.K. will include St. James as a stop on their upcoming tour of the U.S.A.; the concert will be on 22 July 2006 at 7:00 p.m.

The concert schedule for the next program year is being finalized, and work is being completed for the brochure.  There are many great offerings, including a concert on 17 December 2006 by Anonymous 4.

Jessica Abell noted that there are risks involved with providing the Summer in the City camp.  Jessica asked that the Dean and Chapter re-visit staff and congregation awareness of the Diocese of Chicago’s policies on sexual misconduct.  After discussion, it was agreed that Abell will work with the Dean and the business manager to develop a summary of our current processes, and a proposed roll-out of any necessary training using the diocese’s model - Keeping God’s People Safe:Developing Awareness & Preventing Sexual Misconduct.  Abell will provide a report at the 13 June 2006 Chapter meeting.

Wardens’ Report
Discussion resulted in 16 July 2006 as a preferred date for an upcoming Parish Meeting, which will be an opportunity to share information and hear from the community about moving forward with the proposed plans for renovations to the cathedral building.

Robert Black opened discussion about proceeding with the hiring of a Provost/Priest-in-charge instead of an Interim Dean. 

On motion made by Robert Black, seconded by Chris Plotner and carried, Chapter voted to support the Bishop’s recommendation of hiring a Provost.

The wardens will continue to coordinate with the Bishop’s office on the details of the process.  They will correspond with the congregation via e-mail and postal service letters about how names will be received for consideration and the next steps.

Additionally, they will announce the hiring of Tom Patterson, acting business manager.  Patterson starts work fulltime on 15 May 2006.

Tom Patterson will leave the Cathedral’s Investment Committee; the Dean has appointed George Culver to take Tom’s spot on the committee.

At 8:19 p.m. the Wardens excused clergy and staff to develop plans for Dean Blackman’s leave taking events.

Robert Black and Marianne Culver have started working with the Dean to plan for a celebration on 2 July, his last Sunday at the Cathedral.   Some of the ideas include:

• Festive Eucharist on 2 July 2006 - Bishop Persell celebrating;
• Special musical selections during the service, with Marlena participating;
• Service leaflet appropriate for the event; and
• A congregational luncheon on the plaza.

The Worship Mission and Hospitality ministry will coordinate the events.  Marianne Culver, Fran Horn, Phillip Mantle and Cecilia Mowatt will be the Chapter connects to hospitality events surrounding the Dean’s leaving.

Discussion was held regarding the collection of a “purse.”  Special attention will be paid to ensuring diocese-wide information is available about the Dean’s leaving, and providing opportunities for all to contribute.  Robert Black will craft communication and Debra Campbell will assist in the mailing.  Contributions to the purse will be directed to Treasurer Vaintzettel.

Sharon Johnson and Robert Black will develop suggestions for a gift from Chapter and the congregation - other than the purse.

On motion made by Phillip Mantle, seconded by Jessica Abell and carried, authorization was given to provide for Dean Blackman’s leave taking as outlined above.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard H. Kelley
Secretary