Policies of Third Haven Friends Meeting:
Introduction:
Third Haven Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends and the Trustees of Third Haven Monthly Meeting of the Society of Friends, Inc. are dedicated to protecting and preserving in perpetuity the buildings and grounds at Third Haven. Since 1682 the property has served as an historic and sacred place of worship. In addition, the facilities are used for the business of the Monthly Meeting and for its committees, weddings, memorial services and burials, special events as well as for some activities for where there is a need in the greater community. To accommodate all of these uses, the policies and guidelines are set forth below.
General Policies & Guidelines for Usage:
The primary purpose of the Common Room is to accommodate the needs of the Meeting. Therefore all Meeting activities shall have scheduling priority over any other group when a conflict arises.
All events and uses must be recorded on the official facilities use calendar posted in the Common Room. The sponsor will be identified with the group or individual name the time and necessary contact information including a telephone number or email address.
Both Meetinghouses and the Common Room are available for use by Meeting members and Committees for Meeting-sponsored activities without fee.
The Common Room facility may be made available for meetings by attenders and outside not-for-profit groups. Application must be made to the Facilities Use Committee in writing or by email specifying the purpose, nature of use, date and time. The purposes of the group and the proposed use must be compatible with Third Haven principles and practices.
The Committee may approve or disapprove such use or refer the request to the Meeting for Business. The Meeting reserves the right to terminate any on-going agreements with outside groups. In all uses approved for non-members and outside groups, the Facilities Use Committee will insure that there are adequate safeguards and oversight in place. If such groups meet on a regular basis and if a Meeting member must be absent, a person deemed responsible will be designated by name and must be present during the entire time. Such groups may not charge an admission fee or seek to make a profit. These groups will be charged no fee, but contributions to the Meeting are welcome to help defray costs. If the kitchen is used, the kitchen area must be left clean, in good order, with all items used restored to their proper locations.
The following are not permitted anywhere on Third Haven Meeting property:
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages, smoking, and the use of illegal drugs.
- Fires, firearms, and fireworks.
- Pets in buildings except for guide dogs.
- Rice or confetti.
- Non-electric lamps or lighted candles.
The Facilities Use Committee may approve the restricted use of a candle in the Common Room only.
Parking should first take place on graveled areas. There are three handicapped spaces in front of the Common Room. Parking may be allowed on grassy areas when attendance exceeds the graveled areas if the ground is firm and dry. For all large events such as weddings, memorial services, carriage shed sale and like events, the event sponsors shall provide direction and supervision for parking.
Weddings and Spiritual Unions:
Application for a wedding or spiritual union under the care of the Meeting should be addressed to the Clerk of Meeting who forwards it to Overseers Committee to conduct the clearness process. Both Meetinghouses and the Common Room are available without fee.
Application for a wedding or spiritual union not under the care of Meeting should be addressed to the Overseers Committee and the Facilities Use Committee. A member will be appointed to be a Friendly Presence to review the couple's plans and to ensure that the service is conducted in an appropriate manner. Both Meetinghouses and the Common Room are available.
FEE $1,000
Memorial Services and Burials:
FORM: Memorial Meeting for Worship Plan
Application for memorial service or burial under the care of Meeting should be addressed to the Clerk of Meeting, who will forward it to the Burial Committee (Clerk of Meeting, clerks of Overseers and Property and Grounds). Both Meetinghouses and the Common Room are available without fee.
Non-members with current or historic connections: Each request will be given individual consideration. Location, style and size of all gravestones and wall plaques are to be approved by the Burial Committee. The Meeting will appoint a member to ensure that the service is conducted in an appropriate manner. Both Meetinghouses and the Common Room are available.
FEE $500.
The cost of wall plaques or gravestones will be the responsibility of the family.
Because of limited space for burials, the Meeting encourages consideration of cremation.