First Baptist Church Darlington Facilities Usage Policy and Guidelines

First Baptist Church Darlington believes that church facilities are not simply to provide a site for events but to display a Christ-like spirit to all who use them. 

The following policies and guidelines have been established to maintain accountability for all God has given us. 

  1. Adopted policies and guidelines for weddings, receptions, and other events are to be followed.
  2. Requests to use facilities for events are considered for the date requested; however, church functions take priority. For Non-Members, $425 includes (setup, clean up, opening, closing, cooling, and/or heating).
  3. Non-church events may only be scheduled in the calendar year of the event, except for weddings and receptions for church members. The calendar for the New Year will be opened for bookings beginning on December 1 of the previous year.
  4. To avoid the fee, Members may not reserve the kitchen/fellowship hall for organizations and non-church events. 
  5. The deacon body shall have the option to give final approval for using facilities to outside organizations and non-member events. Requests will be submitted to the deacons only after completing all paperwork and paying appropriate fees. Fees will be returned if the event is not approved. Refunds of fees paid in advance require approval of the church treasurer and/or deacons.
  6. Deacon-approved organizations whose ministries partner with the ministry of the church may use church facilities at the member rate.
  7. No alcohol, drugs, or tobacco use is permitted on church property.
  8. No animals are allowed inside church facilities besides service animals. 
  9. The Ministry of Music and/or ministerial staff must approve all music for non-church events.
  10. The church is not liable for any loss of or damage to personal property left in or on the church property before or after events. 
  11. Facilities and kitchen equipment should be left clean and orderly. The person listed on the application is responsible for inspecting and ensuring the kitchen has been cleaned properly and put back in the orderly manner it was found, with all pots, pans, etc. in the appropriate place. 
  12. Church members or employees trained to use the kitchen equipment are the only ones authorized to use the kitchen and/or kitchen equipment. 
  13. Caterers using the church kitchen must provide their pots, pans, spoons, serving equipment, etc. Church equipment such as this is for church events only.
  14. Caterers/Church Members may not use the church kitchen to prepare food to be served at another location.
  15. Cookware, utensils, tables, chairs, and other church property should not leave the premises. The church does not loan equipment.
  16. Services provided by church staff include (unlocking and locking the building, pre- and post-event cleaning of the facility (except for the kitchen), trash removal, and the setup and take down of tables and chairs.) The use fee will not decrease for users who set up and take down tables and chairs.
  17. These guidelines may be updated as needed with agreement of the chairs of the Properties, Church Hostess, and Kitchen Committee.
  18. There must be adequate adult supervision for children in the fellowship hall/gym at all times.