For inquiries about renting space at First Universalist Church, please contact Building & Office Manager Jim Poulter at jim@firstuniv.org.
First Universalist Church is nestled in the South Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis. We are a welcoming community providing a simple tranquil space for weddings, memorials, bar and bat mitzvah celebrations, Islamic and Hindu celebrations, birthday parties, community events, meetings, and workshops. Our Sanctuary also provides excellent acoustics for concerts and practice sessions. We will be delighted to work with you to accommodate your needs.
Members and non-members alike may rent space. Available spaces include the Sanctuary, Social Hall, Cummins Room, Chancel Room, Library, Meditation Room, Bride’s Room, North Narthex, and Arches Room, and several classrooms. Available musical instruments include pianos in the Sanctuary and Cummins Room.
We can help you put together a personalized package of suitable spaces for your celebration or event. Email jim@firstuniv.org for an individualized pricing estimate, to make an appointment for a tour, or if you have any questions about the facility.
Spaces
Sanctuary (and Narthex)
Capacity: 600
Dimensions: 60′ x 86’
Fifteen rows of pews in a large space with two-story ceilings make the Sanctuary ideal for weddings, memorials, keynotes, large events, or concerts. The pews and main floor are accessible via elevator, however, the chancel (stage), choir loft, and balcony are not. With nearly floor to ceiling windows on the North and South sides of the room, it lets in beautiful sunlight from mid-morning to evening. The treetops seen outside the sanctuary provide the feeling of being in the woods, right in the middle of the city. There is a piano in the Sanctuary, and the space can be set up with microphones, screen, a projector, flower displays, and various decorations. Use of the sound system requires scheduling a professional sound engineer.
Social Hall
Capacity: 260 seated/560 standing
Dimensions: 42′ x 86’
With large, north-facing windows, attached kitchen, attached Cummins Room, AV capabilities, and myriad table and chair configurations, the Social Hall is adaptable for many different types of events. It is ideal for receptions, social hours, dinners, film showings, panels, facilitated conversations, and much more.
Kitchen
Capacity: 12 standing
Dimensions: Approximately 30′ x 20’
Because of insurance reasons, the kitchen can be used to cook and prepare food for church events only. Our kitchen use policies can be found here.
Cummins Room
Capacity:
Dimensions:
The Cummins Room, named after Minister Emeritus Rev. John Cummins, is a flexible space. It is accessible by elevator and great for film screenings, small memorial services, workshops, retreats, and larger meetings. Tables and chairs can be arranged to the needs of the group.
Library
Capacity: 8 around large table, 10 in seated circle, 15 standing
Dimensions: 22′ x 31’
Located off of the social hall, the Library is a warm and inviting space, and it looks out onto the tree-lined street. The room is carpeted and enhanced by a beautiful area rug. Bookcases full of UU-pertinent books line the walls, comfy chairs are arranged in a circle, and a large table for eight is great for spreading out work and laptops. Wi-Fi is available in the Library, and it is wheelchair accessible. The Library is great for small, quiet meetings and groups.
Classrooms
Capacity: varies based on setup
Classrooms at First Universalist are perfect for one-time or regular meetings, trainings, classes, or small groups.
North Arches Room, Meditation Room, Bride’s Room
Capacity: 6 seated at table / 9 seated in circle without a table
Dimensions: roughly 12′ x 12’
These three small rooms are located just outside of the sanctuary. They are great for small meetings with no accessibility needs. The Bride’s Room is furnished with a large table and chairs. The Meditation and North Arches Rooms have chairs and small tables for a chalice, candle, or snacks.
Chancel Room
Capacity: 8 seated in couches and armchairs
Dimensions: Approximately 15′ x 10’
Connected to the Sanctuary, the Chancel Room is a cozy, pleasant room with all-day sunlight, comfy furniture, and windows that open to let in the breeze. It is ideal for small group meetings that don’t require a big table.
Parking Lot
Our parking lot has 50 spaces, and free street parking is available. Depending on the timing of your event, all or a portion of the lot can be available for your use.
