Meridian Historical Village Operated by the Friends of Historic Meridian

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The Village Chapel

Every 19th century Village needs its own chapel.    After looking for 35 years to find a historic church building with no success, the Board of the Friends voted to build a replica of a church which once stood at the corner of Okemos Rd and Methodist St in the Village of Okemos. The original church, built in 1870, followed the theme of the New England style of meeting house, with a belfry and steeple.  The double front doors were capped by a curved "fan" light and flanked on each side by arched windows. The new Chapel, modern in every way, has completely captured the original's classic exterior design.   Inside, the Chapel features an exquisite narthex and sanctuary.  A decorative wall towers behind the raised altar area, providing an inviting backdrop complemented by rich oak floors and pews.  There are fourteen pews with a center aisle in the nave.  The pews can comfortably seat up to 100 guests.  The interior is highlighted by six hanging lights rescued from the Okemos Community Church, as well as six wall sconces, and spot lights above the altar area. Other modern features include full heating and air conditioning throughout the building, wheelchair ramps on both the north and south sides of the building, a unisex handicapped-accessible bathroom on the main floor, and two restrooms in the basement level.  The basement level ladies room has a full-length mirror as well as ample mirrors above the make-up area. The acoustics are perfect for music, either live performances or with the state-of-the-art sound system which can accommodate cd's and ipods.  A portable microphone is also available for special events. Antique stained-glass windows in the two front windows provide needed privacy in the first floor restroom and in the stairwell to the basement level.   The windows were rescued from a historic Meridian Township church located in the Village of Haslett. The Chapel is available for rent for weddings, musical programs, memorials, and other public events.  RESERVING THE VILLAGE CHAPEL       To reserve the Chapel, please call the Village office at 517-347-7300.  The Village Chapel is available for weddings at the following times: Fridays                                                              After 4 pm Saturdays         May - October                       After 4 pm                             November-April                   After 1 pm Sundays                                                           After 1 pm

Weekdays       Available with prior special arrangements made through the office. Fees                 Rental fee is $500, plus an additional deposit of $150 which will be refunded if the Chapel remains in good condition at the end of the scheduled event.  The deposit is due at booking, with the remainder due no later than two weeks prior to the scheduled event.   The rental fee includes the use of the Chapel for three hours during the reserved time slot, an on-site coordinator, changing rooms, and the use of the Chapel's audio system.