St James Building Use and Rental Information

St. James Church is happy to make space available to the community when the Church is not using their space for parish programs. Space is allocated on a first come, first served basis. Reservation requests need to be made in writing to the Church Office.

St. James Church charges a fee to help defray operating costs such as heat and electricity. In addition, the fees go to buy equipment such as tables, chairs, sound system, etc. Several criteria are used for setting fees, such as the size of the room, the length of time to be used and the profit/non-profit status of the organization making the request. Use of the kitchen for events is a cost over and above the room use fee, as the kitchen must be cleaned to meet Health Department Standards after each use.

Process for Reserving a Room

Please complete the form found HERE. The form must be returned at least 15 days in advance of the required date of use and the space will not be reserved until the form has been submitted and approved. Reserved time should include time for set up and clean up of the spaced used.

Deposit

In order to hold the space, a deposit of one-half the rental amount should accompany your request. The balance plus a $50 security deposit will be paid the week of the event.  The security deposit will be returned upon final inspection of the space that was used.

Scheduling conflicts

Should some conflict arise (such as a funeral), the parish will make necessary adjustments so that the affected organization has space for their program.

Please Be Respectful

St. James endeavors to practice hospitality in an open and generous manner. However, just as if you were a guest in someone's home, we ask that you be respectful of our property and other programs in the Church.

Please Do

• turn off the lights when you leave,
• turn down the heat if appropriate,
• place all trash in trash containers,
• clean up any spills,
• and abide by the Church's alcohol policy.

Please Do Not

• use space that has not be authorized on the request form,
• allow children accompanying you to wander the building unsupervised,
• help yourself to food in the kitchen as most of that food is provided by Meals on Wheels for their use
• smoke in the building.

One-Time Use Fee Schedule

*For the purposes of this schedule one-half day is anytime up to four hours. Full Day is anytime over four hours. The Time the room is in use should include the time necessary for setting up and cleaning up.

Determining General and Non-Profit Status

General and Non-Profit status is determined by the Internal Revue Service. Non-Profit organizations will produce documentation from the IRS stating that they have been granted tax-exempt status.

What You Should Know

Tenants will indemnify and hold St. James Episcopal Church harmless for all claims arising from or in connection with the conduct or management of the premises or any business therein, or any work or thing whatsoever done, or any condition created in or about the premises during the term of the agreement; and any act, omission or negligence of the Tenant.  Please complete the form found HERE regarding this, and return it to the church with your completed room reservation form.

Alcohol Policy

• Only wine and beer may be served in the parish building. No hard liquor is allowed.
• Persons hosting the event are responsible for seeing that persons served are of the legal drinking age and they are responsible for the sobriety of their guests.
• When alcohol is served, an alternative non-alcoholic beverage should be offered.

Smoking Policy

• St. James Church and buildings are a smoke free environment.

Additional Guidelines

• Groups with youth shall provide age-appropriate adult supervision.
• No children will be allowed to occupy classrooms or nursery without adult supervision.
• Your group is responsible for setting up the room for your event and for cleaning and resetting after you leave.  If furniture is rearranged, please restore the room to its original appearance. If this is not done, then a fee may be charged and withheld from your deposit.
• The church will maintain an area for lost and found articles for up to 30 days.

Scheduling for Long-Term Use

• St. James offers a long-term use agreement for groups and organizations.
• Long-term use is defined as more than three (3) months but not for more than one year.
• These agreements will be reviewed and adjusted annually. Sub-letting space is not allowed.

Granting Permission

• The Rector has the sole authority to grant permission for the use of the parish building by groups.
• The Rector may delegate this authority to a Building Committee if he or she desires.
• The Church building proper may never be used by any group without the express permission of the Rector.