Westport Friends Meeting

Property Use Guidelines, Revised 4.07

Guidelines for Property Use

General Policy:
The buildings and grounds of Westport Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends are maintained primarily for the use of the Westport Meeting, and are available for use by other Quaker organizations and committees affiliated with The Religious Society of Friends. The Meeting is also pleased to make its facilities available to other community members. Guidelines and suggested fees for use are included below.

The Meeting house is typically available for worship, retreats, weddings, funerals, memorial services and other gatherings for spiritual services.

The Macomber Community House is available for use by members of the local community. Events include, for example, social gatherings, exercise groups, charity meetings, youth organizations such as Scouts, public forums and meetings, educational groups, etc.

FRIENDS IN RESIDENCE:
The Westport Monthly Meeting maintains a residence across the road from the Meetinghouse in which reside the Friends in Residence (FIR). All inquiries, scheduling and coordinating should be made through the Friends in Residence. Contact information is:
Dave and Emily Sutton
937 Main Road
Westport, MA 02790-4402
Phone: (508) 636-4963
sutton.df@gmail.com
emilyhsutton@gmail.com

The Friends in Residence can suggest space or rooms depending on the desired activity. They will ensure that the space requested is in order and available at the requested time. They will see that heating, lighting, etc. are in place, and will help with any special needs. Users are expected to leave the building in the condition in which they found it.

GUIDELINES FOR USE OF THE MEETING HOUSE:
Because the meeting house is the regular place of worship for Friends and because of the antiquity of the building itself, prior approval for its use is required. Seating capacity is ~150.

. Smoking or the consumption of food or beverages is not allowed.

. There are no restrooms in the meeting house. Restrooms are available in the adjacent Macomber Community House.

. The furnace thermostat will be set at a comfortable level prior to using the meeting house. Please consult the Friends in Residence for adjustments that might be required.

. Benches should be replaced if they are moved during use.

. Upon leaving (during season) please lower thermostat to 55 degrees.

GUIDELINES FOR USE OF THE MACOMBER COMMUNITY HOUSE

The Macomber Community House is a multi-use facility consisting of several rooms of varying sizes, including a main function hall, fully equipped kitchen, a stage, two accessible restrooms and a smaller bathroom on the east wing of the building. There is an outdoor deck and back yard. The Friends in Residence maintain the schedule of groups currently using the Community House. Advance scheduling is required. A reminder: Quaker organizations are expected to make their needs known well in advance of the dates needed so as to ensure availability.
• Please leave the Community House in the condition in which you found it.
. IN CASE OF FIRE, CALL 911 AND EVACUATE.
. If fire alarm goes off accidentally, contact Friends in Residence at 508-636- 4963.
• Seating capacity: 100+
. No smoking or alcoholic beverages.
• Phones for local calls are located in the hallway and in the back foyer.
. Telephone number is 508-636-3793.

FEE SCHEDULE:
Users are requested to contribute towards the expenses associated with the use and maintenance of the facilities.
Suggested contributions include use of the:

Meeting House: Wedding $150
Macomber Community House: $25/hr (maximum $150 per daytime use)
Rates for repeat use (e.g., weekly) are available. Please inquire of FIR.

Macomber Community House:
$250 (24 hour overnight)
Please make contributions payable to Westport Monthly Meeting of Friends and give to the Friends in Residence. Contributions may also be mailed to: Westport Friends Meeting, 937 Main Road, Westport, MA 02790-4402.
Our facilities are provided at little or no expense to Quaker groups and committees affiliated with the New England Yearly Meeting of Friends. Please make your needs known well in advance to ensure availability.