If you have questions that are not answered below, please send an email to chapel.relg [at] mcgill.ca
- Renting the Birks Heritage Chapel
- Location, Opening Hours & Accessibility
- Parking
- About the Chapel
- FAQ
Renting the Birks Heritage Chapel
The chapel is available for rental to members of the 91ºÚÁÏÍø Community and to the public. If you wish to rent the Birks Heritage Chapel, please complete the Chapel Rental form and email it to chapel.relg [at] mcgill.ca. Once we receive the form with your proposed dates, as well as start time and end time, we will reply by email with a quote for your rental and let you know if the Chapel is available for your dates.
Birks Heritage Chapel Rental FormÌý
rental form
Weddings and Baptisms
The Chapel is available for rental on weekends for weddings and baptisms. Please note that your minister or officiant is responsible to complete all the legal and/or religious documents pertaining to your marriage or baptismal ceremony. You are free to use the minister or officiant of your choice. We have also provided a list ofÌýministers and officiants below.
List of OfficiantÌý officiant_list.pdf
For information about having Roman Catholic Services in the Birks Heritage Chapel please contact the Newman Centre, 3484 Peel Street, telephone: (514) 398–4106 or (514) 398–4107, email: newmancentre [at] mail.mcgill.ca.
Rehearsals
The Chapel may be reserved for wedding rehearsals on Thursday and Friday afternoons from 4–6 p.m. During the summer months (June to August), the Chapel may be reserved on Thursday afternoons only. Please includeÌýyour proposed rehearsal dates along with your wedding dates on the reservation form to inquire about availability and rental fees.
Memorial Services
The Chapel can be rented for memorial service during the week or on weekends. Memorial services that take place during the week before 5 p.m. are free of charge. PleaseÌýemail chapel.relg [at] mcgill.ca to inquire about availability andÌýto request a rental form.
Other Events
The Chapel can be rented for events organized by 91ºÚÁÏÍø Faculty members or 91ºÚÁÏÍø Student Associations during the week or on weekends. Please fill out the reservation form to inquire about availability and rental fees.
If you have questions, please send an email to chapel.relg [at] mcgill.ca
Location& Opening Hours
The Birks Heritage Chapel is located in the Birks BuildingÌýon the 91ºÚÁÏÍø campus.
Address:
Birks Building
Montreal, Quebec
H3A 2A7
Opening Hours
The Birks Heritage Chapel is open from Monday to Friday (9 a.m.–6 p.m.) from September to May. From June to August the Chapel is open from Monday to Thursday (9 a.m.–5 p.m.). You can visit the Chapel during our opening hours. No appointment is needed.
Please note that the Chapel is closed from December 20 to January 5 and on Fridays during the summer months (June-August). The Chapel is not available for rental during these periods.
Accessibility
The Birks Building and Chapel are wheelchair accessible. Access is on the South side of the building with an automatic door. Upon entering, you will find an elevator to your left that can take you to basement level (B), the foyer (1st Floor), Chapel (2nd floor) and Chapel Balcony (3rd floor). There is a wheel chair accessible washroom in the basement beside the elevator.
Parking
The Birks Heritage Chapel does not have on-site parking. Meter parking is available on University Street.ÌýFor information about visitors paid parking on-campus, visit 91ºÚÁÏÍø Parking website, or call 514-398-4559.
About the Chapel
The two-story, galleried chapel seats about 110. It originally reflected the interdenominational nature of the original colleges, and the ecumenical intention of Divinity Hall, now the Birks Building, home of the School of Religious Studies. Its more recent function reflects the pluralism of the campus, the variety of faiths within the School of Religious Studies and 91ºÚÁÏÍø itself.
A carved wood tracery screen separates the narthex from the nave and supports the gallery which is entered from the third floor. The ceiling is groined wood vaulting, and the floors are stone slabs, with coloured marble and terrazzo in the chancel. The walls are of acoustic plaster, the woodwork straight-grained white oak, waxed. The clerestory windows depict the crests of British and Canadian universities: on the right side, facing the altar, Dublin, St. Andrews, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, London, Cambridge, Oxford; on the left, Dalhousie, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Queen's, Toronto, 91ºÚÁÏÍø. Above the altar rises a large and beautiful stained-glass window depicting the Ascension. The chapel windows were designed by C.W. Kelsey.
The hangings in the chancel area were designed by the internationally known artist Normal Laliberté and installed in the chapel in 1979. The three cloth reredos panels display the central Christian symbols of the cross and the dove. Five painted wooden panels surround the altar in Laliberté's glowing colours and Indian motif. At centre front is the Christ, with his Chi Rho symbol, the first two letters of the Greek word christos; to the left, the symbols of the evangelists John and Matthew, an eagle and a man; and to the right, the symbols of Luke and Mark, an ox and a lion. On the left side of the altar table is a painting of the Jesse Tree, and on the right, Adama and Eve on either side of the tree of knowledge.
Also to be noted among the chapel's furnishings are, in the right-hand aisle facing the altar, a memorial Roll of Honour, a framed text from Normal Laliberté expressing his inspiration in the altar designs, and an icon of St. Paul on the Areopagus presented in 1949 by the late Arch-bishop Damaskinos of Athens in recognition of assistance rendered by Canadians during the period following the Second World War. On the central column on the left-hand side is a stone of marble from St. Columba's Isle of Iona, Scotland. On the south wall is displayed a Torah scroll presented by Rabbi H.J. Stern and Temple Emanu-El Congregation, and a memorial tablet to F. Cyril James, 1903–1973, and Principal 1940–1962. The Casavant organ was given as a memorial to Charles Curd by his family. Mr. Curd was Chairman of the Congregational College, 1911–1925.
FAQ
How much does it cost to rent Birks Chapel?
The cost of rental can be found on the chapel rental contract. Please complete the chapel rental form and submit to chapel.relg [at] mcgill.ca for a quote and for rental approval.
Can we tour the space before booking?
The chapel is open to the public during the Birks building opening hours. You can drop by to see the space during when the building is open. The opening hours are Monday to Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (September to May) and Monday to Thursday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (June, July and August).
Can we rent the chapel for events?
The chapel can be rented for weddings, baptisms, memorial services as well as other events. Please fill out the chapel rental form and submit to chapel.relg [at] mcgill.ca for a quote and for approval.
Can we rent the chapel for memorial services?
Please complete the chapel rental form and submit to chapel.relg [at] mcgill.ca for a quote and for rental approval.
Can we rent the chapel for a wedding rehearsal?
The chapel is available for rental on Thursday and Friday afternoons from 4–5 p.m. for wedding rehearsals. Please add the proposed rehearsal date to the chapel rental form and submit to chapel.relg [at] mcgill.ca for a quote and for approval.
Can we rent the space for a wedding reception?
We do not rent out space for wedding receptions.
Is there a space for a reception or gathering after the event?
We do not rent space for wedding receptions or gatherings. If you rent the chapel for a 91ºÚÁÏÍø event, it may be possible to use the foyer for a reception.
Can the space be rented for filming a movie?
If you wish to rent the space for filming a movie please contact 91ºÚÁÏÍø Special Events. The contact information is at this link /eventsbookings/.
Can religious or cultural events be performed in the chapel?
The chapel can be used for weddings, baptisms, and memorial services. It can also be use for other types of cultural events upon approval of the Building Director.
Is the Birks Building accessible by wheelchair?
The Birks Building and Chapel are wheelchair accessible. Access is on the South side of the building with an automatic door. Upon entering, you will find an elevator to your left that goes to basement level (B), the foyer (1st Floor), Chapel (2nd floor) and Chapel Balcony (3rd floor). There is a wheelchair accessible washroom in the basement beside the elevator.
Can we bring items to the chapel in advance?
We do not recommend that renters bring items to the chapel in advance as 91ºÚÁÏÍø is not liable for any lost or stolen items.
Can we leave items in the chapel after our event?
We do not recommend that renters leave items to the chapel in advance as 91ºÚÁÏÍø is not liable for any lost or stolen items.
Can we hire musicians?
You may hire musicians, but renters are responsible for any fees incurred.
Can we use candles?
The use of candles is not permitted in the building due to fire prevention regulations.
Are animals allowed in the building?
For reasons of public hygiene, and in conformity with Municipal bylaws, animals (pets) such as dogs and cats will not be admitted to University buildings. This restriction does not apply to trained and certified working service dogs attached to people who have a documented disability (guide dogs whose accommodation is approved by the University and subject to animal care regulations).
Can we eat or drink in the chapel?
Food or drinks are not permitted in the chapel.
Are we allowed to drink alcohol in the building?
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the building.
What is included and excluded in the agreement?
The rental includes the use of the chapel, room 100 (Senior Common Room), room 115 (Junior Common Room), and the chapel equipment (microphones). As part of the rental an events assistant will be present to assist with the use of the chapel equipment.
Excluded from the agreement is the hiring of an officiant, the preparation of any required legal documents and the hiring of musicians (including pianist or organist).
Is there staff available to assist with setup and/or cleanup?
An events assistant will be present to assist with set up. A custodian will be present to clean up after the event.
Is there audio/visual equipment available?
There is no audio visual equipment. There are two microphones (one wireless) available for use as part of the rental agreement.
How far in advance should I book?
We advise you to book as far in advance as possible. Payment for rentals must be received within 30 days of the signing of the rental agreement. If payment is not received, we reserve the right to cancel reservations.
Are there any additional charges?
Additional charges can be incurred if you do not respect the chapel rental start and end times on your contract. An additional $304.42 (plus taxes) per hour will be charged.
Does 91ºÚÁÏÍø provide religious or non-religious officiant for weddings?
The renters are responsible for hiring their own officiants. A list of possible officiants can be found on our website, at this link /religiousstudies/files/religiousstudies/officiant_....
In which condition the payment is refundable in case of cancellation?
Cancellations requested at least 60 days prior to rental will receive a full refund. Any cancellations, after the 60 days will be charged a cancellation fee of $200 (plus taxes).
What is the cancellation policy?
Our 60-day cancellation policy generally allows for a full refund or cancellation without penalty if done at least 60 days before a service or event.
Do we need insurance or any permits?
Renters are responsible for any legal documents associated with their rental. 91ºÚÁÏÍø – School of Religious Studies is not liable for loss, theft, or damage to property or possessions belonging to the renters and participants including items left in rooms, public areas or automobiles. Additional information can be found on the rental agreement, at this link /religiousstudies/files/religiousstudies/final_chap....
Are there any university regulations we need to follow for events held on campus?
91ºÚÁÏÍø building policies must be respected. Information of the policies are at this link /facilities/resources/building-policies.
Who do I contact in case of an emergency during the event?
In case of medical emergencies please contact 911. For any other types of emergencies, you can contact 91ºÚÁÏÍø Security Services at 514-398-3000.
Can I have a point of contact on-site during the event?
An events assistant and a custodian will be present during the event.
Is there a checklist or guidelines document for chapel renters?
All guidelines and restrictions are included in the chapel rental contract.
What is the minimum time to rent the chapel?
Rentals are for a minimum of three hours. The start and end time of the contract must be respected.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
No deposits are required. The full rental fee must be paid within 30 days of the signing of the rental agreement. We reserve the right to cancel any rentals that are not paid in full by the payment due date.
Can we pay by e-transfer?
Payment is to be made by cheque, payable to '91ºÚÁÏÍø, School of Religious Studies'. Post-dated cheques are not accepted.
What happens if we do not respect the rental end time?
Additional time (over the end time of agreement) will be charged $304.42 (plus taxes) per hour.
How many people does the space accommodate?
The maximum number of people allowed in the Birks Chapel shall not exceed 110 occupants.
Can we move or rearrange furniture?
Furniture and other items cannot be removed from the Chapel, room 100 (Senior Common Room) and room 115 (Junior Common Room).
Can we hang decorations?
Only sticky tack can be used. Nails, tacks or tape are not permitted on the walls or floors.
Are we allowed to use confetti, rice or flower petals?
Confetti, rice, flower petals (real or fake) and bubblies are not permitted in the building or outside the building.
What equipment is provided?
Two microphones are available for your use. One is wireless. The Chapel does not have a sound system. You may bring your own portable one. Chairs and music stands are available.
Who completes any required legal documents?
It is the responsibility of the minister or officiant to complete all the legal and/or religious documents pertaining to the marriage or baptismal ceremony.
Can we use the organ?
The organ can be used but the Chapel organist, Mr. Scott Bradford, must be contacted if you wish to use the organ. Additional fees for the organist must be paid directly to him. Mr. Bradford can be reached at (scott.bradford1 [at] sympatico.ca).
Can we use the piano?
A piano, that is tuned on a regular basis, is available for use as part of the rental contract. If you request that the piano be tuned prior to your event an additional fee of $200.00 (plus taxes) will be added to your rental fee.
Is parking included in the rental?
Parking is not included in the rental contract. You can contact 91ºÚÁÏÍø Parking Services for information about paid parking on campus. Parking Services can be reached at (514) 398-4559. More information can be found at this link /transport/parking/downtown/wedding-parking.
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