Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2023
References and administrative details
Charity Name. Saint Matthew’s Parish Church
Charity Registration Number: NIC102185
Contact Address: The Rectory 51 Ballygomartin Road Belfast
Trustees
T McRoberts T Kane J Weir J Hamilton L Kane M Campbell E Patterson D Diffin T Scott M McKay M Wright M Martin G Madden J Carrigan C Montgomery G Davison N Graham
Principal Office-bearers
Clergy: Rev T McRoberts Church Treasurer: Mr T Scott Church Secretary: Mrs M Wright
Independent Examiner
Mrs Anne McCullough IATI
Bankers
Ulster Bank Ltd
Objectives and Activities
The charitable purpose of the Church of Ireland is the advancement of religion.
The principal function of the St Matthew’s Church of Ireland Parish is to support the advancement of the Christian religion by promoting, through the work of St Matthew’s the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. Being open to and engaging with society as a whole and offering support for those needing help are fundamental to the practical delivery of the benefits of Christianity.
As a result of activity in the pursuit of the advancement of the Christian religion, the St Matthew’s Church of Ireland Parish has custody of property and of records, materials and artefacts of significance to the cultural and religious heritage and maintenance of which is undertaken by the select vestry of the St Matthew’s.
Achievements, Performance & Public Benefit
The year 2023 saw a return to normalcy which enabled the parish to build towards a more normal environment and to fulfill its full role. This meant that churches organizations and ministries could fully reopen and welcome people of all ages back to activities. Pastoral care exercised through home visits by the Rector and a number of church visitors continued to be affected as confidence amongst parishioners grew.
The parish activities which include a Seniors Ministry, a craft group, mother and children provision, and a Sunday School and the youth ministry which includes a BB Company and Girl Guides based in the Church and chaplaincy and assistance to local Scout Groups continued and developed. The celebration as it was the 150[th] anniversary of the current church building in 2022 led to a degree of community interest in the Church and the holding of a community event in the church to celebrate St Patrick..
The Parish has given careful consideration to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s guidance on public benefit to ensure that the actives entered into during the year have helped to achieve the Parish’s objectives and activities, as well as providing public benefit.
Financial Review
The Parish has a currently healthy financial position. The continued upgrade of audio visual systems during the year along with normal maintenance and repairs were accommodated and there are sufficient reserves to meet foreseeable future costs. The trustees have reviewed the budgets for the year ahead and are satisfied that there are adequate funds in place to ensure that the Parish can continue its activities and the financial statements for the year ended December 2023 can be signed off as a going concern.
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document and Constitution of the Charity
Chapter III of the Constitution of the Church of Ireland governs Parishes and Parochial Organisation. The Select Vestry members are the Charity Trustees
Recruitment and Appointment of Select Vestry (Trustees)
All members of the Church of Ireland who are over the age of 18 and are either resident within the parish or live elsewhere but have been accustomed members of the congregation for at least three months, may register as members of the general vestry of the parish, allowing them to attend and vote at meetings of the general vestry and to stand for election to the select vestry. Meetings of the general vestry are held at least once a year. The Select Vestry is elected as part of this General Vestry meeting. The Select Vestry will hold their positions for a period of one year. Select Vestry members may be re-elected annually and there is no limit on the number of terms which may be served.
Pay and remuneration
The Rector of the Parish is paid directly by the Parish and receives a stipend in accordance with figures approved by the General Synod of the Church of Ireland and details of office and locomotory allowances.
Organisational Structure
The select vestry is responsible for the day to day management of the parish. The select vestry consists of the member of the clergy serving in the parish, the churchwardens, the glebe wardens and generally not more than twelve other members of the general vestry elected at the General Vestry.
The select vestry is chaired by the incumbent or other member of the clergy officiating in the parish. Select vestry members are responsible for making decisions on matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding how parish funds are to be applied.
The select vestry meets at times fixed by the members or by the diocesan synod. Special meetings may be convened at any time by the chairperson or the churchwardens. In 2023 the Select Vestry continued to meet regularly..
Compliance with Public Benefit
The Parish has given careful consideration to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s guidance on public benefit to ensure that the actives entered into during the year have helped to achieve the Parish’s objectives and activities, as well as providing public benefit.
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the statement of receipts and payments and statement of assets and liabilities in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
The law applicable to charities in Northern Ireland with Income of less than £250,000 requires the trustees to prepare a statement of receipts and payments and a statement of assets and liabilities for each financial year. The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Parish’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the assets and liabilities of the Parish. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Parish and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.