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WINTER
2001 September 9, 2001
Salem Quarterly Meeting met June 10, 2001, at Greenwich Meetinghouse. Gloria Horvay, our Clerk, opened the meeting after a brief period of worship, welcomed Friends, and thanked Greenwich Monthly Meeting (MM) for hosting. She acknowledged the rearranged benches and noted that her travels have increased her appreciation for all our historic Meetinghouses.
Gloria reviewed items on the agenda, including committee reports and various correspondence. After reviewing the June minutes, Friends approved them as written. Phil Anthony, our Quarter Coordinator, conveyed appreciation for the detailed minutes printed in the newsletter which proved helpful for a Friend locating information about the Nuclear Arms Minute from Mickleton MM.
Gloria read several letters addressed to Quarter Friends, starting with a letter from Kata Frederick expressing appreciation for her scholarship assisting her to attend Westtown Friends School. Then Gloria shared a request from PYM Interim Meeting to evaluate the Standing Committee on Worship and Care, including care of members, its programs, the newsletter; she noted that we will discuss this later in the meeting to allow Friends to reflect on the strengths of the Standing Committee and to discern any problems or issues which need to be addressed.
Sue Price-Redfern, Assistant Treasurer, provided a detailed financial report, including information concerning our status at the end of the year (which closed June 30). She noted that, as we agreed one year ago, one half of our surplus funds were allocated to care of Quarter properties in a new fiduciary account and one half were applied toward our funds donated in covenants from MMs. She reminded Friends that we had agreed to review this process annually; accordingly, Friends approved again allocating one half of our surplus to the new property account. She explained that the Quarter Retreat funds spent included costs incurred from last year, and the registration fees collected for this year’s retreat, which was cancelled (except for Friday evening’s potluck dinner), will be refunded. She noted that the Testimonies and Concerns money spent was travel reim bursement for the prison ministries. She announced that the Quarter had received a very generous check of $50,000 to be used for Quarter properties; details will be provided by the Trustees. She reported that twenty children in the Quarter were receiving financial support to attend private schools (all but one in Friends’ schools). A correction in the written report was noted, that the “history books” balance line should be zero. Gloria thanked Sue for her consistent hard work and expert prompt responses to questions. Friends accepted the Finance Committee Report with gratitude.
Mary Waddington, Clerk of the Quarter Worship and Ministry Committee, read her written report, noting that five MMs participated in the recent committee meeting. Gloria thanked Mary for her report and encouraged Friends to attend the committee meetings held the Friday before Quarterly Meeting.
Gloria read the written report submitted by George Crispin, Clerk of the Quarter Trustees, which highlighted three generous financial gifts contributed to be used for Quarter properties (caring for the Meetinghouse and cemeteries, as well as possibly for making the Meetinghouse more usable): $50,000 from Harold Powell, $5,000 from John Lewis Powell of London Grove MM, and $1,000 from Martha Mathis. George shared personal photographs of the Powell family taken when George provided a tour of the Alloways Creek properties and Harmersville cemetery. Discussion ensued about the appropriate use of the sizable Quarter property funds. Some Friends suggested that only the interest of the Quarter property funds be allowed to be spent, requiring other fund sources to be utilized for any modifications, acquisitions, or building projects. However, other Friends emphasized the importance of honoring the Powell’s intentions and interests in “making the Meetinghouse vital” in using the funds. Several Friends expressed the belief that we should remain flexible in considering our allocations for property funds. It was decided to await specific recommendations by the Alloways Creek Ad Hoc Committee.
Torrey Reade reported that she continues to work toward acquiring historic status for Alloways Creek Meetinghouse; she requested that the Quarter designate funds to accomplish this purpose. Friends approved spending property funds for this goal, which some have estimated could cost $3,000. The Trustees were asked to find out if historic status would place restrictions on building modifications or construction of an annex on the site.
Mario Cavallini, Clerk of the Steering Committee, encouraged all MMs to participate in the important Steering Committee meetings which have the responsibility of making decisions and providing guidance for the Quarter between Quarterly Meetings. He reported that when the Quarter Retreat Saturday program was cancelled, due to the facilitator’s illness, several committee members met to discuss Quarter goals, which will be finalized in the near future.
Sondra Ball summarized ideas which have been generated concerning a one day workshop on “Racism,” acknowledging that some Friends have observed racism in MMs “not of the heart but of action.” Friends suggested taking this proposal back to our MMs, leaving specific plans for a workshop to those who are led to organize such an event. Interested Friends were encouraged to contact Phil and/or their Steering Committee representatives who plan to discuss this in October.
Mario also reported on the Regional Staff Oversight Committee Meeting, noting that in the future there may be more coordination horizontally among Quarter Coordinators as well as more vertical involvement from PYM. Friends were reminded that regional staff, such as our Coordinator, fall within the care of PYM’s Support and Outreach Standing Committee. Friends were encouraged to register for the one day November 3 Pastoral Care Conference by contacting Phil; a $10 donation is suggested, but not required, and child care is available.
Friends were encouraged to participate in the annual Tri-Quarter Gathering scheduled for Sep tember 28-30 at Camp Ockanickon. This year’s events will include a square dance with a live band on Friday evening and intergenerational games provided by the Friends Institute, as well as the usual inspiring workshops, fun family and community activities, and spirituality among nature’s serenity. Interested Friends should contact Cindy Cox Crispin, the registrar for the event; all MMs have Tri-Quarter registration forms.
Peggy Warner, Clerk of the Quarter Nominating Committee, reported that among their responsibilities, they are busy with the serious task of identifying a new Clerk for the Quarter who will preside following the completion of Gloria’s term.
George presented a verbal report and photograph display concerning the Bury, England, trip of Woodbury MM Quakers and Woodbury City residents. He shared highlights and significant moments of the spiritual and educational journey, noting the myriad Quaker outreach opportunities through the daily television, newspaper, radio, and magazine coverage of the week’s events. He thanked the Quarter for its Minute which he shared with the British community. Many Friends expressed gratitude to George for his “interesting and very moving report.”
Gloria read her annual report from the Quarter to PYM in which she focused on the inreach and nurturing activities during the past year. Friends expressed appreciation for her eloquent and accurate report, as well as gratitude for the outstanding and loving leadership she has provided the Quarter during her two terms as Clerk.
Gloria revisited the request from PYM’s Worship and Ministry Standing Committee for feedback concerning the past two years (since the restructuring). Friends mentioned continued assistance from PYM’s services. Gloria reviewed observations made by the Quarter’s Worship and Ministry Committee that many Friends in the Quarter do not have contact with PYM; accordingly, the suggestion was made that more direct contact with MMs be provided in some way. One Friend noted that perhaps more assistance could be supplied for writing proposals to PYM and for the paperwork involved with projects.
Gloria shared the photograph and newspaper story about the Mullica Hill Friends School, encouraging Friends to read it. Appreciation also was expressed for the new newsletter from the Friends Home.
It was announced that Salem MM is hosting a Quakerism 101 class to be led by Gene Hillman; Friends from all MMs are invited to attend the class starting in February.
Gloria noted that the matter of deciding whether to continue printing financial information in the Quarter newsletter will be held over to next Quarterly Meeting to allow more Friends to speak on this issue.
Gloria clarified the specific schedule for today’s program and expressed appreciation to Tricia McManus, Co-Clerk of the Friends Institute, who was providing our program for today. After thanking Greenwich MM for hosting as well as Mullica Hill and Mickleton MMs for furnishing desserts and beverages, Gloria closed the meeting with a brief period of worship and reminded Friends to attend our next Quarterly Meeting at Salem Meetinghouse in December.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Cox Crispin
Assistant ClerkRETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Last modified:
Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:19 AM
