Renting the Meetinghouse
The Chatham Summit Quaker meetinghouse is a beautiful, quiet space in the heart of Chatham. Set back from Southern Boulevard on three rolling, wooded acres, the meetinghouse is ideal for retreats, weddings, meetings, classes, or any small-to-medium-size gathering.
Space is available to rent on a one-time, weekly, monthly, or annual basis.
Contact rentals@chathamquakers.org.
The original Chatham-Summit Quaker meetinghouse was built in 1970 and designed by the renowned Philadelphia Quaker architect H. Mather Lippincott. It was modestly renovated and expanded in 2007 but has preserved the simplicity and serenity of its original layout and interior. We've added a simple, two-story addition to accommodate a new library and classroom, a new heating system, an ADA-approved bathroom and many finishing touches.
Location
The facility is conveniently located at 158 Southern Blvd. in Chatham, NJ, within walking distance of the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center. With more than 3,800 square feet of bright and comfortable pace, our building is nestled in a tranquil, woody landscape setting.
Availability
Our meetinghouse is available to the wider community for charitable, educational and otherwise socially responsible activities. Our space also can be rented for private affairs such as weddings. We encourage its use by individuals and groups whose purpose and mission resonate with the values and goals of Friends. Rental decisions are made on a case-by-case basis to balance the interests of our members and the groups using the space.
Spaces
Our meetinghouse offers both indoor and outdoor spaces of various size, suitable for a variety of small to medium-size events. There are options for renting the entire building and grounds or single rooms, depending on the nature of the events.
Main Room
The building's main space is a large, serene meeting room measuring 36' by 36' with carpeting, cushioned benches and tall windows looking out on a natural garden and woods (deer can often be seen visiting the grounds). This space is beautiful in all seasons of the year.
Although the shape of the room is square, with benches normally arranged in the round, the benches can be re-arranged or pushed back to suit the needs of the renter. The combined assets of the room, including an acoustically remediated ceiling, create a surprisingly intimate environment for groups of any size, large or small. Capacity: 150 people.
All-Purpose Room
This large, well-lit room measures 16' by 48' and can be divided into two separate spaces. It adjoins the Library at one end which can either be incorporated into the all-purpose room to increase usable space or remain separate. Also adjoining this room at the opposite end from the Library is a well-appointed kitchen.
A large number of folding banquet tables and chairs are available to set up as needed, seating about 80 people. This room has everything needed for a luncheon, wedding reception, or meeting space. This space can be rented as a whole or subdivided for a smaller occasion.
Kitchen
This bright, freshly painted space, measuring 10’ by 14', is conveniently located near the entrance and the adjoining all-purpose room. Its amenities include a stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, coffee pots, dishwasher and two-basin sink for easy cleanup; a pass-through allows service to the dining room. It is available at a modest additional fee by prior arrangement along with the rental of any part of the meetinghouse, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Library
This pleasant, book-lined space, measuring 16' by 20', has large windows and a boardroom-style table and chairs, providing an ideal area for a discussion group or meeting with seating for about 15 people.
Classrooms
Downstairs, a central hallway opens into four smaller rooms of varying sizes, each of which can be used for classrooms and discussion groups; each has separate zoned heating. There are two bathrooms off the hallway and another off the “nursery” classroom. This room contains a sink and counter space.
Memorial Garden
To the northeast of the main meeting room lies a small memorial garden which can be enjoyed by viewing through the windows of the main room or by walking the garden’s paths. The garden is surrounded by undisturbed woods which provide a peaceful environment for reflection.
Restrooms
The meeting house has five restrooms; three downstairs and two on the main floor, including a centrally located wheelchair-accessible restroom between the main room and all-purpose room.
Parking
Rental of any part of the facility includes use of the meetinghouse's 52-space parking lot with the understanding that other groups which may be using the facility at the same time may also be using this lot.
Restrictions
Our expectations for our own membership are that no alcohol, tobacco or drugs be used anywhere on our premises, both inside and out. We request the same of our renters. Smoking is permissible outside the building provided care is taken to dispose of cigarettes thoughtfully.
Make Your Rental Arrangement in
Three Easy Steps
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Contact the Rental Coordinator (call 973-635-2161 or email rentals@chathamquakers.org) for more information about our facility and to check availability.
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Complete a simple information sheet. If space is available on your desired date and time, and your proposed activity falls within our rental guidelines, you will be asked to complete a simple form outlining the nature of your organization, purpose, size of group expected to use the meeting house, kinds of activities planned, and any amenities you may require.
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Visit the property. If you have not rented space at the Chatham-Summit meetinghouse before, please plan a visit with the Rental Coordinator or other appropriate person to see the space and learn more about its amenities and systems (heat, light, kitchen). Before you rent the space, we'll provide you with a rental fee schedule, guidelines for use of the property, a checklist for opening and closing the building, and the name and numbers of a meetinghouse contact in case of questions or problems.