188

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 96

most advantageous to the interests of the parishioners,
and they shall also have the property in all books, plate
and other ornaments belonging to said churches and
chapels, or any of them.

312—1. Churchwardens.

A senior warden and a junior warden shall be elected
from among the members of the parish entitled to vote.
The bylaws of the parish shall provide for the manner of
conducting elections of such churchwardens, either by the
members of the parish or by the vestry; their length of
terms; and the manner of filling vacancies in the office
of churchwarden. Their duties shall be as prescribed in
the bylaws of the parish, and in the constitution and
canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church and of the
diocese in which such parish is located.

312J. Choosing and contracting with ministers and

readers.

The vestry of every parish shall have full power and
authority, from time to time, to choose one or more
ministers or readers of the Protestant Episcopal Church,
(heretofore called the Church of England,) to officiate
in any church or chapel belonging to the parish, and to
perform the other duties of a minister therein, for such
time as the said vestry may think proper, and they may
agree and contract with such minister or ministers,
reader or readers, for his or their salary, and
respecting the use and occupation of the parsonage house,
or any glebe or other lands, or other property, if any,
belonging to the parish, and on such terms and conditions
as they may think reasonable and proper, and their choice
and contract shall be entered among their proceedings;
and upon the expiration of such contract, the said vestry
may, in their discretion, renew their choice, or make a
new contract, but if they do not incline so to do, their
former choice and contract shall remain until they
declare their desire to make a new choice or contract.
Provided, however, that no action shall be taken
hereunder contrary to provisions, consonant with public
law, or the constitution and canons of the Protestant
Episcopal Church or of the diocese of said church wherein
the parish is located.

312K. When secretary of parish authorized to give
certificates; admissibility of certificates as evidence
in courts.

Wherever the vestry of any parish has neglected to
procure a common seal, and until such common seal be
procured, the secretary of such parish is authorized to
give a certificate of the entry of any birth, marriage or
burial entered in the books of said vestry, under the
hand of such secretary, which shall be received in
evidence in all courts of justice within this State;
provided nevertheless, the said certificate is