The Deacons

The Deacons are an elected group of long-standing members—senior not so much in the sense of age, but by dint of their participation in the affairs of All Souls. Because their role is not as clearly understood today as in the past and because the title "Deacon" has different connotations in most other denominations, an explanation of their role in the life of this church is important.

The by-laws of this church state that the Deacons assist the Minister at the Communion Service and perform such other functions as may be assigned to them by the Society or the Board of Trustees. The Communion Service at All Souls, held four time a year, is based on early Unitarian traditions and is quite different from communion at some other churches.  The service recalls and celebrates the life of Jesus of Nazareth, and of “all women and men who have striven to be followers of his way of life.”  The simple sharing of bread and wine by the community does not refer to any supernatural elements.  In keeping with Universalist tradition, the service is open to everyone, with no requirements as to church membership or theological belief.

In practice, since the by-laws were adopted on February 14, 1820 (last amended in 2006), the functions and responsibilities of the Board of Deacons have been greatly expanded. The Deacons serve as the collective memory of the church. To be elected a Deacon, a nominee must have given extensive service to the congregation, such as an officer and/or member of the Board of Trustees, an officer or member of one of the major committees (such as the Finance Committee), or rendered distinguished service in a number of volunteer capacities.

Although the Deacons are nominated and elected each year at the Annual Meeting, with one or more new members added to the roster, Deacons continue to serve year after year. Because of their many years of association with All Souls, the Deacons are able to apply their valuable experience to current problems and help the Board of Trustees and the ministers evaluate matters from a perspective that includes the past. In that way, still active and involved Deacons can provide a measure of historical perspective, stability and continuity.

Currently there are 53 listed members of the Board of Deacons; some not active any more because of age, illness or distance from the church. Many of them are "graduates" of the Board of Trustees and are still involved in the activities of the church. There are Deacons who serve as liaison on the important committees of the church; particularly the Nominating Committee, since these former presidents of the congregation and other previous Board members know well what it takes to serve as a Trustee. As of February, 2009, three new Deacons were elected to the All Souls' Board of Deacons.

By attending committee meetings, individual Deacons bring back up-to-date accounts of what is going on. Important changes or new ideas are thoroughly explored and discussed. At times, the Deacons may disagree with Board decisions. In such cases, letters are written to the Board, or the President of the Deacons will discuss such differences with the President of the Board and the Ministers. Deacons seek to uphold tradition but are careful not to impede the changes a vital institution must make.

The following are members of All Souls Church elected to the Board of Deacons, February, 2009. Dates indicate the year of taking The Right Hand of Fellowship. They shall serve until the 2010 Annual Meeting, and stand for reelection.

George Dorsey, President
Jeffrey Friedlander, Vice President
Winifred Olsen, Secretary

The Deacons Award

The Deacons Award is given in recognition of long term and/or exemplary service to the Church and the Congregation. This service is often not highly visible. A committee of the Deacons selects an individual, drafts an appropriate citation and presents the name to the Board of Deacons for approval. The award is then presented to the recipient by a member of the Deacons at the Annual Congregational Meeting in February.

Deacons Awards have been presented to: