Meet Our Churchwardens

By Julie Chambers & Vicky Field

Julie Chambers

Vicky Field

We both feel it is an honour to be Churchwardens here at St James.  A Churchwarden is an ancient lay office holder (unpaid) within the church, dating back to the 13th Century, when they used to have all sorts of responsibilities including the compliance with Bishops’ and Ecclesiastical Courts’ requirements such as collecting parish tithes, presenting ‘moral delinquents’ to the ecclesiastical courts. And yes, the power of arrest for riotous, violent, or indecent behaviour in the church or churchyard (and other offences), a power still retained today!!

The wardens’ symbol of office is their staves [or wands] these were originally sharp pointed sticks to prod people and/or dogs and were known as 'prodders' in the 1600s - apparently used sometimes to wake people up during sermons! You can see them at the back of the church either side of the aisle. So far we've never had to use them!!

Churchwardens are elected annually at St James' annual meeting. The term of office is one year, and we may serve for up to six consecutive terms of office. We are the Bishop’s officers, and we are admitted to office each year by the Archdeacon, on behalf of the Bishop. Together with the Chaplain, we are generally responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the Chaplaincy.

It is an important and, at times, a demanding role with duties ranging from managing the church's daily life, governance issues, finances, building maintenance, promoting faith, peace, and unity while ensuring legal and spiritual duties are met -- including care for church buildings and their contents.

We come from different backgrounds, Julie having lived in Porto for over 40 Years and Vicky living in Porto for the past seven years.

We agree the best part of our role is welcoming people to St James both our lovely regular members of the congregation, newcomers and visitors.

Julie Chambers and Vicky Field

St James Anglican Church, Porto

Churchwardens