Facility Rentals at Ascension
Ascension Memorial Church could be the perfect place for your next event. Situated on the Ipswich River and just outside of central Ipswich, Ascension provides idyllic surroundings and plenty of parking, while remaining convenient for your guests. We are pleased to make our facilities available for private events, community gatherings, meetings, classes, and nonprofit events. Our goal is to keep rental fees simple, transparent, and affordable while covering the costs of opening and operating our facilities.
Boone Hall is a large and versatile event space that can be customized to suit many kinds of different events, like receptions, parties, town halls, and large club meetings.
A meeting in Boone Hall.
The Parish House Parlor is perfect for more intimate events, like small club meetings and classes.
To get started, fill out and submit the form at the bottom of the page, and we will contact you to discuss. At the end of the form, you can include any questions or comments. See FAQ below as well.
Rental Rates
| Up to 4 Hours | 4–8 Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Boone Hall | $200 | $300 |
| Parlor | $100 | $150 |
| Classroom | $75 | $100 |
| Kitchen Add-On | +$50 | +$50 |
Event Coordinator Fee
For all events in Boone Hall, a $150 Event Coordinator Fee is added to the facility rental fee.
Your Event Coordinator helps make your event run smoothly and provides:
- Opening and closing of the facility
- Room setup according to the agreed-upon arrangement
- On-site assistance during the event
- Breakdown and return of the room to its standard arrangement
- Trash removal
The Event Coordinator Fee is paid directly toward the cost of providing this service.
Heating Season
An additional heating fee applies when the building's heat must be raised specifically for a rental:
Up to 4 hours: $50
4-8 hours: $75
The heating fee applies only during the colder months, when heat is needed in the space rented.
Kitchen Add-On
If you would like to make use of our kitchen next to Boone Hall, we can offer an electric stove, warming trays, plus refrigerator and freezer space (which we can show you when you come for a tour).
Up to 4 hours: $50
4-8 hours: $75
The heating fee applies only during the colder months, when heat is needed in the space rented.
Community and Non-profit Organizations
Supporting the wider Ipswich community is an important part of Ascension's mission.
Qualified nonprofit and community organizations may receive a 50% reduction in the facility rental fee.
The Event Coordinator Fee and any applicable heating fee are not discounted because these represent direct costs associated with the event.
Sample Costs for a 4 hour Boone Hall Rental
| Facility Rental | Event Coordinator | Heating Fee | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Boone Hall Event | $200 | $150 | ---- | $350 |
| Same event during heating season | $200 | $150 | $50 | $400 |
| Non-profit/ Community Event |
$100 | $150 | ($50) |
$250- $300 |
Rental Time
Rental periods include the time the renter needs for decorating, personal setup, the event itself, and removal of personal belongings.
Setup and breakdown performed by Ascension's Event Coordinator are included in the Event Coordinator Fee and do not reduce the renter's reserved event time.
Questions
Every event is unique, and we are happy to work with you to determine which space and rental arrangement best fits your needs.
Contact us at rentals@amcipswich.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Are tables and chairs included in the rental fee?
- A: Yes—We have round tables that seat 6–8 people and large rectangular tables for serving food. Once you submit a reservation form and arrange an event date with Cici Spaulding, you'll confer with Meg Liani re: the table layout and she will take care of the setup and breakdown.
- Q: Are linens provided with the rental?
- A: Cream-colored tablecloths are provided, but you must provide your own napkins (and may bring your own tablecloths if preferred).
- Q: Do I need a liquor license to serve alcoholic beverages?
- A: You do not need a permit to serve alcohol for a private party. However, rental clients intending to sell alcoholic beverages (i.e. cash bar) must apply for a Special One Day Liquor License through the Town of Ipswich and pay all related fees. You must comply with all Massachusetts laws and regulations concerning alcoholic beverages and serving alcohol to anyone under age 21 or visibly intoxicated is strictly prohibited.
- Q: Do you provide a bartender?
- A: No, but you may arrange for one on your own.
- Q: May we use the church parking lot for the event?
- A: Yes, but it is also available for public parking.
- Q: Is there a maximum occupancy for Boone Hall?
- A: Yes, the max. is 239.
- Q: May we use the Boone Hall kitchen?
- A: Yes, you can choose a "kitchen add-on" which includes the use of an electric stove, warming trays, plus refrigerator and freezer space (which we can show you when you come for a tour).
- Q: Do you have speakers for playing music?
- A: We have a speaker available for use, or you may bring your own.
- Q: Is there a custodial fee for every room rented?
- A: No, there is a one-time custodial fee of $150 to cover setup and clean up.