Heard it at Council: April 2026

By Kate Silfen, Church Historian | April 14, 2026 Council Meeting Report

The Reverend John Edgerton opened our exciting April Council meeting with a reflection on his English ancestor, who was the first in his family to arrive in the United States. Council members were then invited to share stories about their own ancestors in small break-out rooms. The stories council members shared were both fun and touching.

John shared some welcome news with Council. An anonymous donor has pledged a gift of $1.1 million to go towards Old South’s capital reserve. This gift will be disbursed over several transactions and will enable us to begin immediate capital work on the building. The same donor has also provided a gift to cover the cost of redesigning Old South’s website, a key tool for welcoming visitors seeking a new church home.

Treasurer Donna Matson reported on the current state of Old South’s budget for the first quarter of the fiscal year. Our building use has increased this quarter, but congregational giving is down. There were also payroll costs associated with the separation packages for the staff members who were laid off during the past quarter. As a result, Old South’s expenses are running significantly higher than we had originally projected.

John was pleased to report that Old South has entered a twelve-month contract with Equity Empowerment, LLC. The Founder and Principal, Roeshanna Moore-Evans will serve as our BELONG consultant for the coming year, with the possibility of an extension for a second year. Ms. Moore-Evans recently helped launch Harvard’s inaugural reparative justice initiative. She also guided nearby King’s Chapel with its living memorial work. Roeshanna will play a key role in advising the Associate Minister Search Committee as they begin their work to call a settled associate pastor. Council members also voted to authorize the Leadership Committee to form a Belong Task Force to support Roeshanna’s work.

Reverend Edgerton closed our April meeting with a “Prayer for the Night” from the New Zealand Prayer Book.

Respectfully submitted,

Kate Silfen