Category: Facilities

Accessibility at First†Met

Several parking spots, for those who with handicapped stickers, are available outside the entrance to the church buildings on Balmoral Road. From this entrance, both floors including the Sanctuary, Chapel, all offices, classrooms, and social areas are accessible. The elevator to the second floor is located just prior to the interior (chancel) entrance into the Sanctuary.

Please note that the only areas not accessible to wheelchair users are the balcony and the Kindergarten room (Room 223) – the entrances to these rooms having two to four steps – as well as the washrooms located downstairs from the Fellowship Hall and from the Narthex.

There is a universal access washroom on each floor: 1st floor – adjacent to Balmoral Road entrance; 2nd floor – almost directly above and next to the Social Suite (Rm. 200.)

Our Greeters, Ushers, and staff are happy to assist you in your seating and/or addressing any needs you may have.

For persons with hearing impairments, our regular amplification in the Sanctuary is augmented by an FM system. You may be provided with “ear plugs” or for those who have a “T” device in their hearing aids, a “loop.” At present this system is not available for the Chapel or other areas of the church.

First Metropolitan is a smoke-free, scent-free church. Please note while we do our best to accommodate the special needs visitors, we cannot guarantee to meet every need. We have a family room available to those with special sensitivities. Please dress appropriately for the season in layers so that you can adjust your clothing for comfort.

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Letting at First†Met

We make space available to support individuals and families in the important transitions in life as well as meeting the needs of nonprofit community groups.

First Met Sanctuary

Weddings

A wedding … one of life’s foremost celebrations! We would like to celebrate with you on this sacred occasion! In the presence of family and friends, couples rejoice in the God-given love they share, and call upon God’s blessing as they begin their new life as partners.

First†Metropolitan United Church has a beautiful, newly renovated historical sanctuary, offering a cathedral atmosphere for your wedding.

Constructed in 1915 of red brick in the perpendicular Gothic style, it is registered as a heritage building. The interior is richly adorned with wooden carved pews that will seat 500, a central aisle, a hand-carved Chancel, and original artifacts, all done in soft tones of burgundy, sage and heather. Expansive stained glass windows provide wonderful natural lighting. The front is spacious with an open wooden cross in modified Celtic style. When the service is over, our large wooden front doors offer excellent photo opportunities when the wedding party leaves the building.

Photo of the First Met SanctuaryThe interior is richly adorned with wooden carved pews that will seat 500

Experienced ministers will guide the preparation and officiate at your special ceremony, with attention to details and personal requests. Our gifted music director provides a wonderful range of selections for the four-manual Allen organ and/or grand piano.

FM hearing assistance provided for those who would benefit from it. The sound system is capable of tape-recording, and video recording is permitted.

For smaller weddings, our chapel provides a warm, intimate and informal setting for groups of up to 60.

Photo of First Met ChapelOur chapel provides a warm, intimate and informal setting

Following the wedding, receptions may be held in the Doreene McLeod Room or the Fellowship Hall. The Doreene McLeod Room has a small service kitchenette attached, suitable for preparing tea and coffee and serving simple refreshments.

Doreene McLeod Room  kitchenetteDoreene McLeod Room kitchenette
Doreene McLeod RoomDoreene McLeod Room

The Fellowship Hall has a fully-equipped commercial kitchen and can seat up to 300 persons for a meal. It also has a stage and sound system. Church policies now permit wine, beer and cider to be served provided that you have obtained a special occasion permit, purchased liability insurance and meet the requirements of the Liquor Licencing Branch.

Fellowship Hall KitchenFellowship Hall has a fully-equipped commercial kitchen
Fellowship HallFellowship Hall can seat up to 300 persons for a meal

Meeting and Special Occasion Rooms

Special Occasions

Is your community group looking for one or more rooms to use for a special occasion or on a regular basis? First†Metropolitan United Church has rooms available during the week and on weekends, to suit meetings, rehearsals, workshops and other gatherings. The spaces available include:

  • A sanctuary suitable for presentations, music, dance or drama accommodating audiences of up to 700 with a sound and lighting system, FM hearing loops, an audio-visual system with four projectors, two plasma screens and two rear projection screens
  • A chapel seating approximately 60.
  • A fellowship hall with stage and commercial kitchen seating up to 300 for meals and 500 for presentations and other events. This hall is equipped with a gym floor and basketball hoops and is suitable for basketball, volleyball, badminton and other sports.
  • Individual meeting rooms seating from 15 to 60 people, some with attached preparation areas for coffee and tea.

There is a reasonable letting fee to cover costs of custodians and utilities, etc. Inquire about letting rooms by phoning Sharon in our church office at (250) 388-5188 ext 221.

Special Occasion
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Raise First†Met’s Roof

First†Met’s 150+ Anniversary
Raise the Roof Fund

Become involved! Purchase one or more “shingles” and help First†Met be an ongoing vibrant presence for decades to come. Donations can be made through our Paypal link or by cheque. Contact Greg or Carol at the Financial Office for additional information.

 

shingles at $50
shingles at $500
shingles at $5000
shingles at $50,000
shingles  at $150,000

 

Click to Enlarge Picture

A recent report on the building’s condition by Stantec Consulting Ltd, a firm providing professional design and consulting services in planning, engineering, architecture, surveying, and project management,  identifies certain repairs that must soon be done to our building. These necessary repairs include  reshingling the roof, heating system repairs, insulation and a start on basic earthquake protection. Congregational input is being sought as to what steps or options will be followed, how the items will be prioritized and how the Congregation will pay for these expenses.
A series of forums for congregation members were held early in May and a straw vote was held on Sunday, May 15 affirming the congregation support of undertaking the full project:

  • Re-shingle the Sanctuary Roof @ $225,000
  • Insulation @ $50,000
  • Re-enforced trusses (seismic upgrade) @ $125,000
  • Upgrade Heating System @ $75,000

Total cost would be $475,000

Congregation cost will be $375,000 with First†Met Foundation providing $50,000 and Heritage Victoria providing up to $50,000.

At the forums, Council Executive presented the most up-to-date information it had regarding cost and timeline. Please continue to be engaged in this vital process of consultation.

Stantec Report: Executive Summary

Power Point Presentation

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