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. 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.

In addition to use by Quaker organizations, the Macomber Friends Community House is available for use by civic and non-profit programs and organizations from the surrounding area. Events include, for example, exercise groups, environmental and human rights organizations, youth organizations such as Scouts, public forums and meetings, educational groups, etc. In September of 2016 monthly meeting for business discontinued renting the Community House to individuals for birthday parties, showers and private family gatherings.

Property Caretaker:

Beginning in the fall of 2016, Kevin Lee began serving as the Meeting’s caretaker for matters related to property maintenance, overseeing the Meeting’s calendar, etc. Kevin can be reached via the Meeting’s phone at 508-636-4963, or, on Kevin’s cell at 508-742-8709.

Users are requested to contribute towards the expenses associated with the use and maintenance of the facilities. Rates for repeat use are available.
4 hours               4-8 hours
Macomber Community House                $125                    $25 per hour after 4 hours
Meeting House                                               $300                   additional $200
Meeting House, Macomber                      $400                   additional $275
Meeting House, Macomber, Potter       $450                   additional $300
Potter Annex                                                  $50                     $10 per hour after 4 hours

Users may be asked to provide proof of liability insurance coverage. A “Certificate of Insurance”, if needed, would be provided at signing of the “Agreement for Use of the Facilities” with Westport Monthly Meeting of Friends listed as “Additional Insured”. Organizations that carry liability coverage will need to provide proof of that coverage at signing.

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 Property Coordinator maintain the schedule of groups currently using the Community House.

Advance scheduling/renting 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 Kevin Lee at 508-742-8709.
• Seating capacity: 77
• No smoking or alcoholic beverages.

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 Property Coordinator. Contributions may also be mailed to: Westport Friends Meeting, 938 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.