| The basic unit of the Guild is the PRIORY, made up of three or more members
attached to a church. They appoint a Prior and choose a priest as
Chaplain. Additional office-bearers may be appointed as necessary.
Priories hold regular meetings for devotion, instruction and fellowship. |
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In order to encourage wider fellowship among servers, Priories are grouped
into FRATERNITIES, which meet from time to time to sing the Guild Office and to
take part in joint activities. A priest is appointed as Priest Director
and one member as GUARDIAN of the Fraternity.
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| The Guild as a whole is governed by a COUNCIL, consisting of the Warden,
Chaplain General, Secretary General, Almoner, Guardians of Fraternities, and
Honorary Councillors. |
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MEMBERSHIP is open to all servers on the recommendation of a priest.
Normally they will have served for a probationary period of at least six
months. Members of the Guild of the Servant of the Sanctuary (England) and
the Order of St Vincent (USA) are automatically members of the Scottish Guild of
Servers - and vice-versa. There is no annual subscription, the Guild being
supported by the voluntary donations of its members. However, on being
admitted to the Guild new members are asked to pay a small entrance fee to cover
the cost of the Guild Cross (worn by all servers) and the Guild Manual.
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| There is an ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING and FESTIVAL, normally on the first
Saturday in September with each diocese being visited in rotation. This is
a corporate act of witness to the work and ideals of the Guild, and all members
are urged to attend. |
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The EDUCATION FUND gives grants to members
preparing for ordination or attending a recognized church course,
towards the cost of books or other expenses. Applications are made
through the Secretary General. The Fund (originally called the War
Memorial Fund) was set up after the 1939-1945 War, in remembrance of the
many members of the Guild who had lost their lives during the conflict. |
