Heard it at Council: November 2025
By Rob Gabler, Clerk | November 11, 2025 Council Meeting Report
Church Council on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 was the setting for early 2026 budgetary discussions, reminders about our buildings’ multi-year maintenance needs, and the official sanctioning of a new group to specifically address congregational belonging and engagement: BELONG.
Financial matters dominated the early part of the meeting. Treasurer Donna Matson, Finance Chair Paul Kuenstner and Trustee Priscilla Geigis each framed the fiscal discussions which served as a prelude to the 2026 budget which will continue to be fine-tuned over the coming months and modified as needed based on Council’s recommendations. The full Congregation will be able to review the proposed budget before the annual meeting in March at which time their approval will be sought.
Currently, inflation, repairs/maintenance and exorbitant utility costs, particularly electricity, have resulted in over-budget expenses, along with under-budget income. Pledge fulfillment for the past month was less than expected.
A Working Capital Group, commissioned by Council in October, is putting its collective mind to the task of figuring out the best way to fund the numerous essential projects recommended by the engineering/architectural consultant (Wiss Janney Elstner Associates) as part of its vast multi-year plan. Senior Minister John Edgerton offered that we cannot responsibly delay the brick masonry repairs, repointing, and upkeep of our steel which, when exposed to moisture, corrodes, causing cracks and displacement of the bricks themselves. These maintenance concerns, and how best to address them, will be reflected in the 2026 proposed budget.
Moderator Maren Batalden then asked Tim Harbold of (G)RACE Speaks to discuss BELONG, which he chairs. Its mission is to move Old South “beyond aspirational statements to demonstrable, sustainable action in becoming a more inclusive and diverse spiritual community.” BELONG will circulate an RFP, a request for proposals, for a Ministry Consultant for Congregational Belonging and Engagement who is expected to serve as a kind of “coach” or strategic advisor. The idea is that they will work with the Congregation—not force us—to develop new levels of belonging, so that everyone might grow into the inclusive community we envisioned as far back as 2015 when (G)RACE Speaks was first established. Council officially authorized BELONG and enthusiastically embraced its goals.
In other business, Torrence Chrisman was elected member of the Board of Ministers and Deacons.
Finally, on a lighter note, Stewardship Chair Todd Krohne, one of the organizers for the sesquicentennial celebration of our Copley Square location, highlighted some of the fun in store for that night (December 6, 2025 starting at 7:00 pm). With a special concert program in the sanctuary, If These Walls Could Talk: A Celebration of Sanctuary in the Heart of Boston, to be followed by a spirited reception in the chapel, the event promises great music, innovative storytelling from our past, fantastic exhibits, raffles, light food, dancing and plenty of surprises. He reminded everyone to RSVP.
As Council meets the second Tuesday of every month, we will convene next on December 9, 2025 at 7:00 pm.
Rob Gabler, Clerk