Rentals

Spaces For Your Group

The First Unitarian Society welcomes you to rent our church spaces for your group or organization. All renters, including members, must fill out a Building Use Application*.  As a privilege of membership, FUUSN members may use the space for personal event s like birthdays or anniversary parties an adjusted fee.   

There is a $150 cleaning fee* for non-members for the Sanctuary, Parish Hall, Alliance Room, Headstart, Flex Space and Chapel. Setup and cleanup should be discussed prior to rental space being approved. For all rental spaces:  Please ensure you have planned to have the rental space returned to its original state, all trash is removed and all belongings taken with you.  

*The cleaning fee is subject to change based on the size of the event.

The Sanctuary’s seating capacity is 400. A designated time for memorial services is reserved in the Sanctuary from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on the first and third Saturday of each month.

Inquire with our office about rentals by groups that are not charitable or religious organizations. The use of this space must be in keeping with its historic purpose and is subject to the minister’s approval.

Renter First 3 Hours Additional pre-Scheduled per hour Unscheduled additional hours
Non-profits $750 $200 $750/hour

The Sanctuary is not available to renters during our regular Services, Sundays at 10:15 am, Special Society Services, and the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. The Gallery in the Sanctuary is not available or included in Sanctuary rentals.


The Parish Hall has a capacity of 150, less if tables are used. Tables and chairs are available. This space may be rented with or without the kitchen.  Rental space is available Monday – Friday 5:30 pm -10 pm, Saturdays 8:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sundays 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Limited availability).

Renter  First 3 Hours Each additional Hour Unscheduled additional hours
General Public $1,000 $300 $750/hour
Non-profits $300 $350 $400
Members $200 $225 $250

Birthday Parties (0-12 year olds) $50/hour

*Weddings and memorial services for members are free. 

The Kitchen is available to those renting the Alliance Room or Parish Hall.*  Rental space is available Monday – Friday 5:30 pm -10 pm, Saturdays 8:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sundays 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Limited availability).

Renter  First 3 hours Each Additional Hour Unscheduled Additional Hours
General Public $300 $150 $300
Non-profits $150 $75 $150
Members $75 $50 $150

The Alliance Room is located on the first floor next to the kitchen. This is a medium-sized space with seating for up to 60 if using folding chairs.  Rental space is available Monday – Friday 5:30 pm -10 pm, Saturdays 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sundays 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Limited availability).

Renter  First 3 Hours Each Additional Hour Unscheduled Additional Hours
General Public $500 $175 $350
Non-profits $185 $50 $200
Members $125 $25 $150

Birthday Parties (0-12 year olds) $50/hour

The Ministers’ Parlor is a small, cozy space with comfortable seating for 15.  Rental space is available Monday – Friday 5:30 pm -10 pm, Saturdays 8:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sundays 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Limited availability).

Renter First 2 Hours Each Additional Hour Unscheduled Additional Hours
General Public $100 $50 $100
Non-profits $50 $25 $50
Members $50 $25 $50

The Headstart Room has seating capacity for up to 75 seated. This room is on the second floor with adjoining toilet facilities. This space is not accessible for people with mobility needs, but is ideal for exercise and dance classes.  Rental space is available Monday, Tuesday, Friday 5:30 pm -10 pm, Saturdays 8:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sundays 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Limited availability).

Renter First 3 Hours Each Additional Hour Unscheduled Additional Hours
General Public $400 $150 $300
Non-profits $200 $75 $200
Members $150 $50 $200

There is an adjacent Workspace/Flex Space, with a long table and chairs; the fee for both is $880/ Non-profits $300 / Members $200.

The Children’s Chapel has a seating capacity of 35-40. This space is equipped with a piano and both stacked and folding chairs. Folding tables may be brought in from the closet under the stairs.  Rental space is available Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 5:30 pm -10 pm, Saturdays 8:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sundays 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Limited availability).

Renter First 3 Hours Each Additional Hour Unscheduled Additional Hours
General Public $200 $75 $200
Non-profits $100 $50 $200
Members $100 $25 $100

Birthday Parties (0-12 year olds) $50/hour

There are five downstairs classrooms. The capacity of these rooms varies between 15-30.  Rental space is available Monday – Friday 6:00 pm-10:00 pm, Saturdays 8:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sundays 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Limited availability).

Renter First 3 Hours Each Additional Hour Unscheduled Additional Hours
General Public $150 $50 $150
Non-profits $50 $25 $100
Members $35 $15 $100
To Rent Space

To Rent Space

Please begin by contacting the Office Administrator by email or phone (617) 527-3203  to discuss the availability of the space.* 

If you have determined the space(s) is/are free, please complete our Building Use Application. We will then contact you.* Please carefully review our Standard Terms and Conditions before submitting your Application.* A half deposit is due upon approval of your rental space, to the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton, 1326 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02465.

*All rentals are subject to our Standard Terms and Conditions. Note that submitting a form does not guarantee availability or approval of your rental request.

Rental rates are based on the length of the rental, costs associated with opening up the spaces for renters and space maintenance. (We accept checks for space rentals). All checks should be made payable to the “First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton”. Final payment must be received on or before the event date .*

Building Use ApplicationStandard Terms and Conditions

INSURANCE

Renters and their vendors will be required to provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance.  Liability limits are explained below.  Additional limits may be required.

User represents and warrants that it carries Comprehensive General Liability or Homeowners Umbrella insurance providing for a combined single limit of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) for bodily injury, death and property damage. At no cost to FUUSN, no later than two weeks in advance of the Function, User shall provide FUUSN with a Certificate of Insurance evidencing such coverage, effective through the final day of the Function, including any clean-up time. Such Certificate of Insurance shall name the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton as “Additional Insured” with respect to the use of FUUSN’s Facilities under this Agreement. 

RENTER CANCELLATIONS

Terms of Use

In the event of a cancellation, refunds will be made as follows:

  • 3 months prior to use: Full refund
  • Less then 3 months to 1 month :50 percent
  • Less than 1 month:No refund

The person who signs the request form is responsible for ensuring that the following conditions are met:

  • Please enforce the no smoking rule in the building.
  • Please see that no food is brought into the sanctuary. 
  • All persons using the kitchen facilities must comply, per order of the city health department, with all posted food safety rules. Unfortunately, no storage is available for personal property, supplies, food, etc.
  • Before you leave, please ensure that all furniture/equipment is restored to its original location, that the lights are turned off, and the doors locked.
  • Any damage, regardless of how minor, must be reported to the office. 
  • Office equipment is available to eligible society members only.
  • Please supervise children at all times for their own safety. 

The community counts on guests who rent the space to treat the church building and properties with respect and to leave them clean and in order.