Building Rentals
Thank you for your interest in using space at First Church in Cambridge! We offer beautiful and handicapped-accessible spaces ranging from our sanctuary and large function hall, perfect for your concert, reception, or wedding, to many smaller rooms ideal for meetings and smaller gatherings. Please see the room listing below for more details.For inquiries regarding availability and fees, please contact Summer Finnell, Interim Parish Administrator, at parishadmin@firstchurchcambridge.org.
Sanctuary Most recently renovated in 2000, the sanctuary seats 550, including the balcony and North Transept. The sanctuary features excellent acoustics, the 1972 Frobenius tracker organ, and a Kawai grand piano. The platform of the performance space is handicap accessible and measures approximately, 29’ x 46’, plus the south transept choral risers, which seat 35, and the apse. Architectural features include a polygonal vaulted ceiling, hardwood maple floors, gilded dome in the apse and beautiful stained glass by Louis Comfort Tiffany and others.
Margaret Jewett Hall, the church’s auditorium, seats 200 with a small stage for performance. Painted in a rich burnt umber color, the space includes hardwood floors, an acoustical ceiling, a sound system and a bank of windows overlooking Mason street. With the adjacent library, MJH is ideal for lectures, small concerts, receptions and meetings.
The Hastings Room, the church’s parlor, features an ornamental fireplace, period furnishings, oriental rugs, a grandfather’s clock and historic portraits. The Hastings Room accommodates 40-50 people standing. There is an audio feed from the sanctuary to the Hastings Room, making it an excellent “green room” for sanctuary events.
Lindsay Chapel Dedicated in 1939, the chapel seats 80 people. The cool stone interior is perfect for small concerts. The chapel features three lancet stained glass windows by Arthur Murray Dalin, a 2 manual Andover pipe organ, and antique wooden chairs.
The Library is located behind Margaret Jewett Hall, and across from the Lindsay Chapel. The library accommodates about 30 people standing, and opens into Margaret Jewett Hall. The library is perfect for small meetings or as an anteroom for events in the chapel.
Kitchenette The kitchenette is located on the main floor near the Hastings Room and Margaret Jewett Hall. There are coffee urns and a small stove for heating food for serving.
Some groups that perform regularly at First Church:
* The Boston Secession
* Boston Choral Ensemble
* New England Light Opera
* Blue Heron Renaissance Choir
* Convivium Musicum
* Boston Camerata
* Boston Early Music Festival
* Longy School of Music
* Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra
* Musica Sacra
* Spectrum Singers
* Harvard Radcliffe Chorus