A church wedding is first and foremost a service of worship, celebrating a sacred covenant between the partners, �an honorable estate, instituted of God, and signifying the mystical union which exists between Christ and the Church.� While it is appropriate that the wedding service reflect the interests and needs of the couple, the service should also conform to certain standards of Christian faith and worship.
PASTOR
The pastor of the church is expected to officiate at all weddings. At the pastor�s discretion, another clergyperson may be invited to participate with him/her or officiate in his/her stead. If such an officiating clergyperson is from outside Massachusetts, a special certificate must be obtained from the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth.
ORGANIST
The church organist is expected to be asked to play at all weddings where organ music is requested. The organist, Edwin Lawrence, can be reached at (802) 442-8772, via e-mail: eldu45@earthlink.net, or through the church office. At the pastor�s and the church organist�s discretion, other organists and guest musicians may be invited to participate.
FLORISTS
Flowers are the responsibility of the wedding couple, and it is recommended that they visit the church office to discuss plans for decorations. One or two arrangements are customarily left in church for the Sunday morning service following the wedding. If this will not be possible, please let the church office know so that the Flower Committee can arrange for other flowers for that service.
It is imperative that the florist call the church office before the ceremony to arrange a time to decorate the church, otherwise they may not be able to gain entrance.
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bulb or strobe flashes are not permitted during the service itself (except during the processional and recessional), although available-light pictures may be taken from the choir loft and the body of the church. The wedding party is invited to pose for
photographs in the church following the ceremony. Video cameras are permitted, provided they are stationary and use available light.
INTENTION AND LICENSE
Intentions to marry must be filed with a city or town clerk at least three days before a license is granted, the day of filing not included. The legal age not requiring parental consent is 18 years.
Massachusetts requires a medical certificate of a blood test for both partners, which may be given by a licensed physician. Results are not required when intentions are filed, but no license can be issued without the medical certificate.
The license may be used immediately upon issue, and remains valid for 60 days. It must be given to the officiating clergy before the ceremony. The clergyperson completes the license and returns it to the City or Town of origin. The cost of the license is $10 for either residents or non-residents of Massachusetts.
The Town Clerk of Williamstown is Mary Kennedy, 458-3558.
BUILDING USE
A Building Use Form must be completed and filed with the Church Office.
COSTS
For families who are neither active members nor contributing friends of the First Congregational Church, Williamstown:
Fee for use of the sanctuary and staff involved is $1,050, broken down as follows:
$300 Pastor (Rev. Carrie Bail)
$175 Organist (Edwin Lawrence)
$ 75 Sexton (Harry LaGess) If extra cleaning of the sanctuary is needed (i.e.: use of rose petals), the fee will be increased.
The remaining balance of $500 goes toward the use of the building.
For active members and contributing friends of the First Congregational Church, Williamstown:
Although there is no charge for the use of the space for church members, the fees for the organist (Edwin Lawrence) and the sexton (Harry LaGess) are the same: $175 and $75, respectively.
The pastor does not charge a fee for her services, although any gift that is offered will be added to the Pastor�s Discretionary Fund. (Outside clergy should still receive a fee.)
Please make out separate checks for the individual staff members. Checks in payment for use of the building should be made out to the First Congregational Church. Gifts to the Pastor�s Discretionary Fund should be made out to the church with a note directing the money to that account.
ALL FEES SHOULD BE PAID AT LEAST ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE CEREMONY.
Additional facilities and services are available. If you wish to have the Flower Committee arrange the flowers or the Hospitality Committee plan a reception here at the church, please contact the church office. They can help make arrangements with these committees and let you know the costs.
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