BUILDING USE GUIDELINES FOR PILGRIM CHAPEL WEDDINGS
Pilgrim Chapel is a
public chapel that serves as a spiritual center for persons of all faiths. This
facility, formerly the Pilgrim Lutheran Church for the Deaf, was recently added
to the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its historical and
architectural significance. The facility seats a maximum of 72 persons. To
protect the building and its original furnishings and to preserve the chapel’s
mission as a place of worship, the Pilgrim Chapel Trustees have developed the
following guidelines.
Ceremony
Planning
A meeting at the chapel will be arranged with the
minister performing your wedding ceremony to review your wedding plans, chapel
facilities and the details of your ceremony. You may also choose to schedule a
wedding rehearsal to ensure that your ceremony goes off as planned. In addition,
the chapel is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you
wish to visit the chapel or have family members, florists, photographers or
musicians see the chapel, please have them come during these hours. Remember,
however, to be respectful and quiet since others may be using the chapel for
meditation during this period.
Pilgrim Chapel Staff
The
Pilgrim Chapel staff includes two ministers available to perform weddings: Dr.
Roger Coleman and Rev. Elizabeth Coleman. Other clergy may
be allowed to participate in the service by assisting the Pilgrim Chapel
minister with readings, prayers or personal comments.
If you wish to include another minister in these parts of the ceremony,
please provide this information at the time you make your reservations.
Chapel Schedule
Weddings
are normally scheduled for a three-hour period to allow time for photographs,
chapel arrangement and the ceremony. Several religious groups use the chapel and
other weddings may be scheduled before or after your ceremony.
Therefore, guests and participants (musicians, photographers, florists,
etc.) should not arrive prior to the time that you have the chapel reserved. If
you have the chapel from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a 2:30 p.m. wedding, for
example, the chapel will not be available until 1:00 p.m.
Decorating, Flowers
and Use of Candles
Pilgrim
Chapel was designed as a place of meditation with an emphasis on simplicity. To
maintain this simplicity, couples are encouraged to limit chapel decorations to
altar flowers, either fresh cut flowers in a vase, or a small floral
arrangement. Pew bows are discouraged. The aisle is narrow and the bows may be
knocked down when the bride and her escort enter. Wreaths may be placed on the
main chapel doors.
Two,
seven-candle candelabras sit on the altar along with two large brass
candleholders. These are available for your use and are the only candleholders
allowed in the chapel. To ensure that only dripless candles are used, Pilgrim
Chapel will provide candles, use of the candelabras and brass candle lighters at
no additional cost . You may bring your own unity
candle set. However, we ask that you not remove the set from the altar until
after the flames have been extinguished and the wax hardened. This will prevent
wax from being spilled on the altar and carpet.
Photographs,
Videos and Photographers
Photographs may be
taken prior to or after the service with limited photographs permitted during
the actual wedding. Because of the chapel’s size, photographic equipment, such
as special lighting and backdrops, is not permitted. Video cameras may be used
as long as they do not involve lighting or placement behind the altar.
Music
and Musicians
Pilgrim Chapel was initially
a chapel for the deaf. Therefore, there are no musical instruments in the
chapel. This allows couples to be more creative in their choice of music.
Because of space limitations, it is helpful to have a single musician although
there is room for a trio if you have a small wedding party. The most common
musical instruments used at the chapel include the violin, harp, portable
keyboard, guitar and flute. A CD
player and traditional wedding music is available for your use. Sound carries
very well in the chapel and no special amplifier system is needed.
Use
of Bird Seed, Rice and Flower Petals
Guests
cannot throw birdseed, rice, confetti or anything that needs to be cleaned up
following the ceremony. Bubbles, butterflies or bells are, however, acceptable
ways to greet the new couple.
Also, if you include a flower girl in your wedding party, please have her drop
silk rather than fresh flower petals to avoid staining the carpet.
Reservations and Payment of Fees
The chapel is not scheduled until the
initial, non-refundable deposit has been received. This amount is 50% of
the total cost. The balance is due at least 30 days prior to the wedding.
Smoking,
Alcohol and Other Restrictions
Smoking and alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the
building. Also, food and drinks cannot be carried into the sanctuary.
Pilgrim Chapel, Inc.
Contact Roger Coleman at 816.753.3886
or by e-mail at rcoleman@clergyservices.com
