Third Haven Friends Meeting Trustees
2015 Annual Report
In 1948 the Trustees of Third Haven Monthly Meeting of the Society of Friends was incorporated, with the agreement of the Third Haven Monthly Meeting of the Society of Friends. Membership and activity of the of the Meeting was at a low point and it was feared that the meeting might be put down, in which case the buildings and property would revert to Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. Friends wanted to be sure that the care of Third Haven would remain with the people who had been involved through the years. The Trustees are the owners of the buildings and property.
The seven Trustees, all members of the Meeting, meet yearly in March. Occasionally, there is need for an additional session when particular issues or needs arise. This past year we met in April for the purpose of setting up a local account with Wye Financial so that we have the ability to pay local bills more readily. Most of our funds are held with Friends Fiduciary Corporation in Philadelphia. Another meeting was held in May to review possible expenses arising as a result of our insurance inspector who had come to inspect all of our buildings and grounds. The risk management issues listed by this inspector all have been addressed. Other than fire, our biggest potential risks are areas where people might trip and fall.
The financial relationship between the Meeting and the Trustees has been as follows: the Trustees expect to pay for major capital expenses, such as a new roof, a new heating system, removal of hazardous trees. The Meeting covers operational expenses such as heating bills and salaries.
In 2014 the Trustees covered the cost of a new gas burner for the Brick Meetinghouse, half the cost of resurfacing the driveway and parking areas, Brick work on the Brick Meetinghouse, new heating and air-conditioning units for the Common Room, a handrail for the stairs in the Caretaker's Cottage, and a final contribution to the Scholarship fund. The total was $29,799.94.
The Trustees continue to approve the concept of handicapped access to the 1684 building, but feel that it should be a Meeting project, supported by the Meeting.
We noted the passing of Betty Jean Wheeler. Both she and her husband, Charles Elliot Wheeler devoted many years to the Corporation, for which we are grateful.
As is our custom, our business meeting ended with the election of officers. For the coming year they are as follows: President—Adrienne Rudge; Treasurer—Allan Mielke: Secretary—Diana Rein.