Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church
Policy on the Use of Facilities
Summary for Space Users
(The complete policy can be read at
Eligible Groups
The Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church (CHPC) will make its facilities available to CHPC groups and to groups outside this congregation, including groups from the Capitol Hill community, out-of-town groups, and outside groups to which a CHPC member belongs. No group or individual may use CHPC space for profit unless approved by Session.
Criteria for Approval
Permission to use church facilities will be given subject to the limitations of the facilities, previous commitments, and the intended use of church space. The Session reserves the right to cancel any arrangements for use of church facilities. A group that expressly plans or advocates violent protest will not be approved to use church facilities; use of violence by any group will be grounds for expulsion. In addition, a group may not use the facilities if it expressly plans, advocates, or conducts illegal activities. The only exception to this policy would be groups that plan, advocate, or conduct acts of intentional, non-violent, civil-disobedience with the express prior permission from the Session.
Overnight Accommodations
Except for unusual circumstances, overnight accommodations are limited to the WashingtonSeminarCenter, where 50 persons can be accommodated.
Fees
Fees will be charged, payable in advance, to outside groups. Fees are intended to cover heat, light, and maintenance. Required custodial or other services are subject to additional fees. CHPC groups (and other denominational groups) may use church space free of charge (except for the WashingtonSeminarCenter). Use of space must be arranged in advance.
(For current fees consult the CHPC Church Administrator, WSC Coordinator, or visit or
Outside Groups. To use space longer than one month, or for repeated use of church space, outside groups will negotiate fees, space and other arrangements with the Finance Committee. A written contract must be approved by the Session.
(more on reverse side)
To use space for one month or less, groups will be charged a day or overnight rate subject to the following guidelines. For non-profit and community groups charges may be reduced or waived.
Responsibilities of groups using CHPC space are:
a. Each group using CHPC space is responsible for keeping the space neat and clean, for turning out lights, and for properly locking all doors and windows.
b. Each group may be assessed a security fee of $100 by the Church Administrator to be refunded or used to pay for any breakage or loss suffered as a result of the group's use of space. Each group will be assessed additional amounts if required to cover the cost of breakage or damage caused by the group.
The security fee is required in advance, together with the space fee. All damage should be reported promptly to the Church Administrator. If a group leaves the church in such a way that more cleaning time is required, the group will be assessed an additional fee at the rate of $10 an hour.
c. Church personnel will not accept deliveries for outside groups. Each group should designate a representative to sign for and accept all deliveries of food, beverages,
supplies, etc.
d. Arrangements should be made with the Church Administrator to pick up and return keys. Arrangements should be made prior to arrival and departure.
e. Wine is the only alcoholic beverage permitted in the church or on church property. No one may sell alcoholic beverages of any kind in the church or on church property.
f. There shall be no sale of tickets, nor admission charged, without prior approval by the Session.
g. There shall be no sales, solicitations, or fund-raising without approval of Session.
h. No signs or posters are to be fastened to the walls by any outside groups.
i. Groups using the church should inform the Church Administrator in advance of any change of schedule.
j. Parking is not available in the church parking area.
k. Smoking is not permitted in the church building.