Superior Court Day One continued...

The notebook I had placed in my bag before leaving for the first day of court was a soft cover composition book I had received from a friend I taught with just before retiring in June of 2012. Apparently I had it just before that time because I took notes at a so called "Parish Meeting" called by
Anthony Morello on May 26, 2012. The surprise Temporary Restraining Order against Fr. Kelley had been imposed the day before. Everything between April 9, the attempted take over by the opposition, and May 25, 2012 is a bit of a blur, but I do know that if they couldn't obtain control one way they would try another. Their unbridled quest for control of St. Mary's had begun in secret over a year and a half before. And you think you know people...
I have really veered off topic and need to get back to the courtroom last Wednesday, the 23rd of September. As I walked into the court and took a seat behind our team of lawyers I realized I had been moved from "outside" into a "ring side seat". I was most thankful to have a notebook, pen and purpose on which to focus. My emotions needed a channel.
Judge Mary H. Strobel, entered the courtroom a little after 10:00 am. The lawyers all introduced themselves and the purpose of the trial was stated. Was the vote of August 6, 2012, conducted by the legally elected Vestry of February 5, 2012, valid? Also in question was the forcible detainer against the opposition ( in control of property since May of 2012) filed by same legally elected Vestry.
The first witness called was Fr. Christopher Kelley. He began his position as rector of St. Mary's March 20, 2007. Our lead attorney, Pal Lengyel-Leahu, began with questions about his job as rector and the validity of our January 2008 by-laws. They were ammended in January of 2011 to remove St. Mary's from the Diocese of the West (Anglican Church in America) and place the church in the Patrimony of the Primate. The POP had been formed for churches that had voted (by 2/3) to begin the process of joined the Catholic Church. Pal also asked Fr. Kelley about the use of the voter list of January 2012 and what various notations meant. The opposition lawyers would object at various points. Also in question, with I think every witness, was when regular Vestry meetings were held. Each witness I took notes for replied that regular Vestry meetings were held the 2nd Sunday of each month except where the Sunday was early in the month in which case it might be moved to the third Sun.
Other witnesses called on Wednesday were, John Pouncey, elected Vestry clerk, Andrew Bartus, Laura Bartus and Allan Trimpi. Allan was called to the witness stand at 3:55. The court was recessed at 4:30 until 10:00 the next morning when Allan's testimony would resume.
A summary of last Thursday, September 24, will be the subject of my next post.