Facility Rentals
Classes, Meetings & Seminars
The versatility of our facilities can accommodate a variety of groups for meetings and seminars, etc.
We generally rent our rooms out in 8-hour blocks of time, although longer or shorter time periods may be negotiated. This amount of time includes your set-up/decorating time, as well as your clean up time. Rates are dependant on the total size of your group and which rooms you are using. We provide and set up tables and chairs for your event. Additionally, an Event Host(ess) will be on site during your event to provide you with building assistance (lights, sound system, doors, etc.). Use of the pianos in the Worship Center and Edwards Room is included.
Our sound system with multiple microphones, which covers the Worship Center and/or the Stark Room, will meet the needs of most events, and a podium is available if needed. You are welcome to provide your own sound system if you have special needs or are making an audio/visual recording. An oversize movie screen pulls down from the ceiling in the Stark Room for visual needs in that room. You are welcome to use our 32-inch TV monitor with DVD/VCR; you provide other projection equipment or screens needed.
Worship Center: The Worship Center’s high ceilings and numerous windows create an airy, spacious atmosphere for conferences and meetings. Soaring windows overlooking picturesque Lake Merritt are situated on the west side of the center. A glass mosaic triptych, designed and rendered in the early 1920’s under the direct supervision of Louis C. Tiffany, is displayed on the north wall.
The contemporary design of this room features comfortable chairs and a moveable platform, allowing for various seating configurations accommodating up to 250 people in upholstered chairs. Normally there are approximately 165 chairs set up. We can also take down chairs to suit a smaller group. We often change the room arrangement during the year to meet the needs of our worship services, so the layout of chairs and the platform may or may not meet the needs of your group/event. An additional fee can be paid to have the platform arranged to your preference.
Franklin Stark Room: Adjacent to the Worship Center, the Stark Room also features high ceilings and abundant windows. This spacious multi-purpose room can be arranged in a variety of ways. Round or rectangular tables with chairs make a comfortable setting for meetings or a banquet for up to 200 people. Other configurations offering a more open design can accommodate up to 250 people. The attractive parquet floors are suitable for all kinds of dancing and a DJ can easily set up equipment for a lively party. Huge glass doors open onto a fully enclosed outdoor courtyard and playground. The courtyard can be used as an extension of the Stark Room, or by itself. The sound system from the Worship Center extends to the Stark Room and microphones and a podium can be set up if desired.
Combining the Worship Center and the Stark Room: A moveable wall separating the Worship Center and Stark Room can be opened up to increase the size of the Worship Center and/or the Stark Room. With the wall open, we can add an additional 200 seats for events taking place in the Worship Center. With the wall open, the view of Lake Merritt adds to the atmosphere of your event, and at night, the “Necklace of Lights” around the lake is visible, offering additional beauty.
Minnie May Edwards Room: The Edwards Room is situated directly across from the entrance to the Worship Center. This stylish room has a small kitchenette, upholstered chairs and couches, and a grand piano. We are pleased to frequently exhibit the works of local artists on the walls of the room. Suitable for groups up to 50, the room can be arranged with or without tables for formal or informal gatherings/parties/meetings. A separate entrance from Lakeshore Avenue makes this the meeting room of choice for many groups.
Aldersgate Room: Seating up to 40 people, this modest meeting room has its own bathroom and coffee making area. Entering from the lower level on Lakeshore Avenue, many community-based recovery groups use this room regularly for meetings.
Playground: The playground, right outside the Stark Room, is available for your use at no additional charge. A climbing structure with 2 slides is designed for children ages 5 and older. This is a nice feature when you are expecting children at your event. We require that at least one adult is present on the playground and actively supervising any children on our playground. Consider hiring someone to supervise the playground so that your guests may enjoy themselves without worrying about their children.
Kitchen: A full commercial kitchen adjoins the Stark Room, and limited kitchen use as a staging area (no cooking) is included with rental of the Stark Room. Full kitchen use for the purposes of cooking and serving food is available for an additional fee. We do not furnish tablecloths, napkins, dishes, flatware, cups/glasses, serving platters and utensils, warming trays, etc. You, or your caterer, shall provide these types of items necessary for your event. Caterers must have their own liability insurance. Use of the dishwasher requires employment of our clean-up staff.
Food & Catering: We do not have in-house catering or a preferred catering list; you may select your own caterer. Caterers should have their own liability insurance. Limited use of our kitchen as a staging area, including use of our refrigerators/freezer, is included with rental of the Stark Room. For an additional fee, you may rent our kitchen to cook and serve your food.
Parking: On-site parking is limited and must be shared with other building users. Our experience is that plenty of street parking is available for your guests
Making Your Reservation: A refundable security deposit of $250 plus 50% of the rental fees is required in order to reserve the date and time on the calendar. The balance is due at least 30 days prior to your event.
All renters must submit a 501(c)(3) non-profit determination letter and copy certificate of liability insurance. Please contact our Church Administrator at office@lakemerrittumc.org for more information.