Weddings and Unions
The Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church welcomes wedding inquiries from people of all backgrounds. You do not have to be a member of the church in order to be married here. For weddings at the church, our Minister and Organist have the “right of first refusal,” a normal practice meaning that they “come with the package,” i.e., they must agree in advance to waive their services and fees should a party wish to use a different minister and/or organist. Rev. Fitting performs weddings off-site from time to time, depending on the location.
The setting itself is elegant: from outside, the church’s tall, majestic steeple overlooks Gloucester Harbor, while the allee of trees framing the long front walkway is unique among Cape Ann churches. The interior conveys a feeling of warmth, combined with the dignity of history, along with first-rate acoustics.
The downstairs hall (Vestry) may be available for receptions/collations; these are generally hosted by the church’s Judith Murray Guild. Inquire with the church administrator if you are interested.
Child Dedication (Baptism)
Rather than holding a Christian-style baptism ceremony, most Unitarian Universalist congregations have child dedication services for infants, young adopted children, or young children whose families have recently joined the congregation. The parents bring the child to the front of the sanctuary at a designated time in a regular Sunday worship service, and the minister presides over the ceremony. The dedication ceremony is generally a celebration of the blessing of new life, an expression of the parents’ hopes for their child, and a call to the parents and the congregation’s members to lead and nurture the child’s spiritual life as it grows. Adults are not required to be or become baptized when joining the UU faith.
Memorial and Funeral Services
The church is available for memorial and funeral services under generally the same procedures as for weddings; please contact the minister directly. We understand that sometimes the need arises on short notice, and while the church will do all it can, availability can’t alway be guaranteed.
Wedding and Baby Showers
The church’s Judith Murray Guild handles all requests for showers. Fees charged are usually on a “per plate” basis. Inquiries should be directed to Carolyn Edwards (978) 283-9129.
Other Spaces Available
The Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church is glad to make its spaces available to the public for meetings, lectures, and musical performances on an as-available basis. Contact the church administrator for availability.
The Sanctuary is especially well suited for music – both choral and instrumental – and lectures, due to its spacious interior and fine acoustics. The Sanctuary can accommodate 300 comfortably. The downstairs Vestry, where coffee hour is held after Sunday services, is an excellent place for smaller-scale, coffee-house style music. It is also suitable for smaller group lectures and panel discussions. There are tables and chairs, with comfortable seating in the 60-100 person range, as well as movable partitions. The Kitchen, adjacent to the Vestry, may be made available upon request.
There are other, smaller rooms, that can be made available upon request; inquire with the church administrator to see if one meets your needs.
Please note that due to the historic, and sometimes fragile, nature of our building we do not accept requests for outside birthday or confirmation parties, dances, etc.
