Spaces for Rent

First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael rents its facilities for nonprofit, religious, cultural, educational, and social programs that are comparable with the tenets of the Presbyterian Church and the regulations of the church’s management commission. It does not currently rent space for private events such as birthday parties and wedding receptions.

Sanctuary

This large worship space seats up to 300. It has a piano and a high-quality audiovisual system, which includes multiple wired and wireless microphones, a projector, and a large wide-format screen. Use of the room includes up to 300 cushioned upholstered chairs that can be placed in any configuration, as well as a variety of tables. It has dimmable chandeliers, a marble tile floor, and beautiful stained-glass windows which surround the room. There is central heat but no a/c. The total square footage is 5,325. Large handicapped-accessible restrooms are located just down the hall. Typical uses of this space include memorial services, musical performances, lectures, community events such as round table discussions & workshops, and film viewings. The rental rate is $110 per hour, and a staff member is required to be on-site during events at $25 per hour. Staff time to set up for an event may be available at an additional charge of $20.00/hour.

Canoles Hall

This large fellowship hall is ideal for hosting events where food is served, since it is connected to the kitchen (additional charge). The capacity is up to 120 at tables and 200 in rows. Equipment available includes 15 round 5-foot tables; 10 rectangular 4 x 2 foot banquet tables; up to 120 folding metal chairs. There is a mounted screen on the west wall. The room is approximately 2,100 square feet, 36 x 60. This room has heat pumps for air conditioning and heat. Large handicapped accessible restrooms are located directly adjacent to this room. Typical uses of this space include fundraisers, employee retreats/training, community workshops, charity events, nonprofit meetings and celebrations, and memorial receptions. Rental rate is $120 per hour including use of the kitchen, or $60 per hour without the kitchen.

Chapel

This smaller worship room has a more intimate feel and ambiance. It has carpeted floors and a beautiful stained glass window. The room capacity is up to 50 persons (40 at tables and 50 seated in rows) but it is ideal for the 30-40 range. Equipment available includes cushioned upholstered chairs, a wide-format screen, and a piano. The room has central heat but no a/c. Large handicapped accessible restrooms are located directly adjacent to this room.  Typical uses of this space include adult classes, meetings, seminars, small memorial gatherings, lectures, and meditation groups. The rental rate is $60 per hour for a one-time event; a series of meetings is $35 per hour.

Geneva Room

This room is located on our upper level and is only accessible by climbing stairs. It includes the use of a sink and microwave and seats up to 30 people.  It is ideal for small, quiet classes and gatherings. There are cadet wall heaters, but no a/c. Men’s and women’s restrooms are just outside the room. Available equipment includes an easel, 8 – 4 x 2-foot tables, and 16 cushioned chairs. The rental rate is $35 per hour.

Stewart Room

This small, 300-square-foot room is primarily used for weekly support group meetings. The capacity is 20 people. It is a no-frills space that includes a private entrance, use of 20 folding metal chairs, a kitchenette area for preparing coffee & tea, and a single unisex restroom. There are cadet wall heaters, but no a/c. The rental rate is $30 per hour.

  • The church facilities are available for nonprofit religious, cultural, educational and social programs that are comparable with the tenants of the Presbyterian Church and the regulations of the church’s management commission. 

  • All organizations and individuals using the church facilities are required to provide a certificate of public liability insurance in the amount of no less than $1 million and are requested to make a payment to the church for facilities upkeep, utilities, equipment use, and servicing labor. Event insurance is generally available through your organization’s liability insurance or homeowner's coverage, or can be quoted and purchased on this website, among others. 

  • Renters must be willing to sign a hold harmless Facility Use Agreement assuming all risks for loss, damage, liability, injury, cost and expense and release First Presbyterian from any loss, claim, liabilities, damages and/or injuries to persons and property that in any way may be caused by or during applicant’s use or occupancy.

  • All rentals require a 1.5 hour minimum. In calculating your rental fee, include time required to set up, conduct your program, and clean up afterward.

    For one-time events a rental deposit is required to hold the reservation at the time of booking and the final rental payment is due two weeks before the event. 

    Monthly rent is due on the first of each month.

  • Use of FPCSR sanctuary sound system (microphones) requires the hiring of an FPCSR sound system church staff person. Fees range from $40.00 - $60.00/hour depending on number of microphones and/or performers. FPCSR does NOT provide any livestreaming equipment, filming equipment, or links for Zoom or YouTube.

  • In addition to the rental fee a security deposit is required for all rentals. Assuming no damage occurs and the room is left as it was found, the deposit is fully refundable.

  • For an additional fee ($30.00/hour, one hour minimum) rooms may be set up by the custodian for a particular usage, (this is contingent on the custodian’s availability based on the time of the event), otherwise renters are required to return rooms to their original table and chair configuration.

  • Regularly recurring rentals such as weekly meetings & classes, are subject to limited availability and may be negotiated at a somewhat lower rate which requires church management approval. Monthly rent is based on the hourly fee and the average number of hours per month the rental space is used.

    If use of space occurs more than once per week, the renter must be approved and/or apply for Marin County Welfare Exempt (non-profit status).

  • Parking is not available to renters during business hours though our small parking lot may be used for loading and unloading supplies.  During off hours, renters may park in spaces labeled “Church Parking” and no others unless specific permission is granted before event.  Plenty of free 2 hour street parking is available in the immediate area and the free 2 hour Mission Avenue lot is directly adjacent to our property. A San Rafael parking map can be found here.

  • Kitchen rental includes use of pitchers and stoves, but does not include use of chinaware or silverware. User must provide their own dishes, silverware, and paper products. Dishwasher is not available. User must leave kitchen in the exact condition in which it was found. If items are moved, they must be returned to their original location.  If stoves and/or ovens are used, they must be cleaned after use. All trash must be removed entirely from the premises. No food may be left in the refrigerator or freezer. User agrees to obey rules/procedures that are clearly posted in the kitchen.

  • Serving of alcoholic beverages (including wine and beer) must be specified in the renter’s liability insurance coverage. Additionally, if alcoholic beverages are being sold (such as at a fundraising event), the renter needs to either hire a licensed bartender or acquire a liquor license from ABC Licensing of CA, which can be found here. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Rental Rules And Regulations