Building Use Policies
As part of our outreach and ministry, we are pleased to open our space to other organizations, individuals, and programs that serve the community. A description of our facilities follows. Our Building Use Agreement includes a Building Use Application that can be returned to the church office by e-mail ([email protected]), mail (PO Box 108, Castine, ME 04421) or by stopping by during office hours. Please contact the office with any questions about building use!
Our Facilities
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The Trinitarian Congregational Parish of Castine was formed in 1820, and the present church building was dedicated in 1829. Since then, the church has undergone several renovations that have resulted in the present configuration, which we describe here.
Sanctuary
Accessibility: Access to the sanctuary is made through the front door into a narthex, and then up 11 stairs on either of two stairways to the main floor. There is no elevator in the church, but there is one electric stair chair lift available. Wheelchairs can negotiate the sanctuary, but no specific seating area has been designed for wheelchair use.
Seating: Seating, in fixed pews, will generally accommodate up to 180 persons. For larger events, a sound system in the vestry and outside in the garden does allow those spaces to be used as event overflow.
Choir Loft: An elevated choir loft at the rear of the sanctuary is accessible by a flight of five stairs (no elevator or chair lift). In addition to an organist, the choir loft will accommodate soloists or a small ensemble of musicians.
Organ: Our church features a Rodgers 805B Classic Organ, a 2- manual electronic instrument that is available for weddings when played by qualified musicians. Our music director, Heather Emanuelson, is available for special events (for an additional fee) and can provide names of other local musicians if she is unavailable.
Piano: Our church features a concert-grade Steinway grand piano that is available for weddings when played by qualified musicians. Our music director, Heather Emanuelson, is available for special events (for an additional fee) and can provide names of other local musicians if she is unavailable.
Sound System & Livestream Capability: Our church is equipped with a sound reinforcement system including both wired and wireless microphones available for use at church events. Our livestream setup includes three separate cameras and an audio mixer. We have the capacity — contingent on the availability of one of our livestream team — to livestream to YouTube and/or to digitally record events.
Rest Room: A single rest room is available on the lower (vestry) level.
Climate Control: The church does not have air conditioning, but a ceiling fan and open windows are generally sufficient to keep the space comfortable in the summer.
Vestry
The lower level of the church is known as the vestry. The vestry is accessible down a flight of eight stairs, and is also accessible through a separate entrance equipped with a wheelchair ramp. The vestry is made available for receptions, meetings, and for participants in weddings or memorial services as a gathering/dressing space. Our children's corner can be used (with supervision) by children during services. The sanctuary's sound system includes speakers in the vestry, so services are audible to those in the vestry. Wifi is available throughout the vestry.
The vestry can be set up with chairs and tables in a variety of configurations to support different kinds of events — like our Bastille Day French Toast breakfast, pictured to the left!
A Nespresso coffee maker can be used by groups or individuals renting our space. We have a fully equipped kitchen that can be used if that use is part of the building use agreement.
The vestry can be set up with chairs and tables in a variety of configurations to support different kinds of events — like our Bastille Day French Toast breakfast, pictured to the left!
A Nespresso coffee maker can be used by groups or individuals renting our space. We have a fully equipped kitchen that can be used if that use is part of the building use agreement.
Garden
The garden behind the church is a lovely space for holding small receptions or gatherings, and can be used in conjunction with the vestry for larger events. There are three benches in the garden for casual gatherings. Tables and chairs can be moved out onto the small gravel area for more formal receptions. There is a speaker in the Garden that connects to the church's sound system.
