Sanctuary

The church building was completed in 1821 as the town meeting house, and retains most of its charming original architectural features, including a rare second-floor pulpit. The church is blessed with a modern custom Trillium organ. For more information about the history and architecture of the building, visit Church History and Architecture.

 

The sanctuary has original boxed pews with doors. Rather than a single aisle down the center, there are two aisles with pews on each side and in the center, as can be seen  below. There is a small raised "stage" area at the front of the church with furniture that can be moved out to accommodate concerts. The church holds 200 people in the downstairs main sanctuary. We do not encourage seating in the upstairs balconies, because visibility is limited from there.

 

The sanctuary is suitable for weddings, funerals and memorials, celebrations of life, baptisms, concerts, and similar events. To hold an event in the sanctuary, contact the church at 763-3800 to leave a voicemail message.

 

Schedule of Fees ~ Sanctuary

(adopted 2020) 

 

Funerals & Memorials

 

Use of the Sanctuary:  $250 (non-members only)*

Minister’s Honorarium: $250

Organist: fee is set by individual guest organist 

Cleaning fee:  $50

 

* When the deceased was an active member or friend of the church who had supported the church through their offerings or service, there is no fee for use of the church for their service. For all others, there is a suggested fee associated with using the building.

 

Weddings

 

Use of the Sanctuary:$250 (non-members only)**

Minister’s Honorarium:$300 

Organist:fee is set by individual guest organist

Cleaning fee:$50

 

**When either individual is an active member or friend of the church who supports the church with their offerings or service, there is no fee for use of the church for their wedding. For all others, there is a fee associated with using the building. The minister’s honorarium for weddings includes several consultations and a rehearsal. 

 

For Parish Hall rentals, there is a suggested donation of $10 for up to 2 hours of use. 

 

For Community Building rentals for receptions for either memorials or weddings, please contact cb.hall.rental@gmail.com.

 

Please make out separate checks for each of these fees (for services arranged through a funeral home, payments will be handled through them). The check for the church (for non-members) should be made payable to ‘United Christian Church’ and honorariums for the minister should be made payable to ‘Rev. Elizabeth Barnum’.  Guest ministers may participate or preside only when the settled pastor extends the invitation. 

 

All organists need to be approved by the Music Director. No alcohol is allowed in the Sanctuary. The church property is designated “No Smoking.”

 

If any of these costs are considered a hardship for you or your family, please discuss them with the minister and /or the funeral director. The church waives fees in extenuating circumstances and seeks to provide services to all in the community.