Select Vestry

Preston Select Vestry, one of two Vestry’s in the country, supports the work of Preston Parish and fulfils a ceremonial role in the city.

The aims of the of the Preston Select Vestry are:

• Preserve, promote and protect the heritage of the Select Vestry.

• Fulfil the civic and ceremonial role of the Vestrymen, demonstrating the relationship between church and state.

• Advocate and the support the work and growth of the Parish of Preston, including both St. John’s and St. George’s.

The Vestry achieves these aims by advocating and supporting the work of St John’s and St George’s Preston and fulfilling a civic and ceremonial role connecting the church and civic life of Preston. In the ceremonial role, Vestryman are identifiable by their distinct emerald robes.

Membership to the Vestry is by nomination and all nominations are handled by the chair on an annual basis to fill any vacancies.

There are 24 members of the Select Vestry spilt into three divisions: Higher, Middle and Lower. Members of the Higher Division are drawn from the church, the middle from the Council and the lower from the wider city. Each division is distinguished by different coloured cords: Gold for higher, blue for the middle and white for lower.