16:12-15 Consolidation of parishes.

16:12-15. Two or more incorporated parishes of such church may consolidate and become one parish in the following manner:

A meeting of the vestry of each parish may be called by the rector or wardens upon one week's notice to each member. If each vestry shall determine by a vote of three-fourths of all the members thereof that such consolidation is advisable, a further resolution shall be adopted by a like vote, requesting the consent of the bishop and standing committee of the diocese in which the parishes are located. Such consent shall be given in writing, signed by the bishop and a majority of the standing committee, and acknowledged or proved in the same manner as deeds of real estate.

A special meeting of the congregation of each parish shall then be called and conducted in the manner provided in R.S.16:12-13. Each meeting shall determine by a vote of three-fourths of those present balloting separately upon each question:

a. Whether such consolidation is advisable, and, if the determination is favorable; then

b. Whether the consolidated parish shall act under the charter of one of the consolidated parishes, or under a new certificate of organization;

c. The corporate title of the consolidated parish, which may be identical with the name of the parish whose charter has been adopted. If no such charter is adopted, or if any change is made in the corporate title, it shall be in the form provided in R.S.16:12-1;

d. The date of the annual meeting, which shall not be inconsistent with the constitution, canons or laws of such church;

e. The number of vestrymembers, which shall be identical with the number fixed by the charter adopted, or if any change is made, shall be three, six or nine; and

f. The wardens and vestrymembers, who shall be chosen either in accordance with the provisions of the charter adopted, or as hereinbefore provided for new parishes.

A certificate shall then be made by the rector and secretary of each parish, and executed and acknowledged in accordance with R.S.16:12-2, setting forth:

a. The meeting and action of the vestry;

b. That the bishop and a majority of the standing committee have consented; and

c. The meeting of the congregation, and its action upon the questions required to be determined.

All such certificates, and the written consent of the bishop and standing committee, shall be forthwith filed and recorded together in the offices of the clerks of the counties in which the parishes are located. Thereupon the consolidated parish shall immediately become vested with all the temporalities and real and personal property of the parishes so consolidated.

amended 1961, c.114, s.3; 2017, c.151, s.12.