TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
PARISH OF CARRICKFERGUS ST NICHOLAS CHURCH (NIC 102652) The Hon. Treasurer Mr Ray Gilbert c/o Church Office 3 Lancasterian Street Carrickfergus BT38 7AB
01[ST] January 2022 to 31[st] December 2022
TRUSTEES
The Rev. Christopher St.John, Rev N Ervine, Alan Miles, Linda Mulvenny, Julie Irvine, Katrina Todd, Sharon Maxwell, Ray Gilbert, Christine Cahoon, Roy McAlister, Tamera Milligan, Valerie Kirk, , Ann McVeigh, Dianne Innes, Samuel Stewart, Graeme Miles (from 6/4/22).
FINANCES
St Nicholas Church, Carrickfergus total income for 2022 was £ 203,325,45 of which £157,207.61 was voluntary giving from Parishioners. The voluntary giving figure includes Gift Aid tax recovered of £19,988.62 and other donations.
The Parish received £38,077.44 from investment income and £7,000 from rental income.
The Freewill Offering was £ 121,139.84 in 2022. The Freewill Offering includes weekly envelopes, incoming Parishioner standing orders and loose collections. Creditor invoices during 2021 were paid either upon receipt or in line with individual company invoicing.
Total resources expended were £211,044.60, this figure includes, stipends salary and associated costs, Diocesan costs, general parochial costs, ongoing property repairs, heating and electricity on properties and other costs associated with worship and wider church activities. The Parish has responsibility for the maintenance of the Church and the Rectory although both properties are vested with the Registered Church Body in Dublin. The Parish also looks after the Church Hall and the properties at Coates Gardens and Macroom Gardens (a former Curatage). The property at Macroom Gardens was rented out in 2022. Church repairs on the general upkeep to properties were carried out costing £26,571.16.
Following all transactions, the balances of bank accounts on 31[st] December 2022 were as follows.
No 1 Current Account £6,485.37 in credit
No 2 Current Account £83,484.09 in credit (Dividends from investments with the Church of Ireland Trust. Department for Communities and the Board of Education were received in 2022)
Allocations Account £427.04 in credit – This account uses the 10% of Freewill offering which is allocated to support charitable purposes. The Allocations Committee met in October 2022 and forwarded recommendations for distribution of funds to various groups for approval by the Select Vestry in November 2022. All but one of the allocations were made prior to the end of year.
Legg Fund Charity Account £7,505.62 in credit – funds used to assist those in need locally.
The Trustees place a high importance on the security and safeguarding of all monies. Strict dual control is exercised when counting and recording money and transporting it to the Bank. All payments require the signature or authorisation of two Trustees as specified in the Bank mandate.
MANAGEMENT
The Finances are managed by the Honorary Treasury in conjunction with the Finance subcommittee. Monthly Select Vestry meetings are held, and the Treasurer provides a report to Trustees outlining all income and expenditure for the previous calendar month. Accounts are scrutinized by an external accountant. Additional meetings are held as required to discuss urgent matters which may arise between normal monthly meetings. Vestry members are elected each year at the General Easter Vestry.
PURPOSE
The principal function of the Parish is to support the advancement of the Christian religion by promoting through the work of the Parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, social and ecumenical. The importance of communicating with parishioners of all ages is recognised by the Parish and visitation of the sick and elderly were undertaken by the clerical team.
The Trustees recognise that we have a valuable historic building to worship in and due care is taken to ensure that the building is maintained to a high standard. There is a subcommittee of the Select Vestry which concerns itself with all matters pertaining to the buildings. This sub-committee forwards recommendations for approval by the Select Vestry.
The church adheres to all Church of Ireland guidance on Safeguarding and has an established Safeguarding Panel.
PUBLIC BENEFIT
The Charity Trustees have complied with their duties in line with the Commission’s Public Benefit statutory guidance. Regular worship and reaching out into the community have been carried out throughout the year to fulfil our statement of public benefit. Services continued to be made available to view on the church Facebook page and funds were invested in a new church computer and software . Analysis of the engagement with the
online services and messages posted by viewers indicated that not only were Parishioners reached but also a wider community group both locally and internationally. The church provides tours of the building for visiting community groups.
Parish groups resumed normal operations in 2022 following the easing of pandemic restrictions.
Money is regularly raised by Parishioner donations to help the disadvantaged worldwide and the support of other overseas mission work continued. Annually, as indicated above, in December 10% of freewill offering is donated to charitable causes.
Signed Ray Gilbert Honorary Treasurer St Nicholas Church of Ireland, Carrickfergus