Consider holding your event here
Are you a charitable or non-profit organization, or involved in education, the arts, health, spirituality, community development or helping others? Do you have a need for meeting, program or performance space? If so, consider holding your event at the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Our campus consists of the historic Thorne Oaks Mansion and the contemporary state-of-the-art Gateways Center. Situated on six lovely acres in Morristown about 3 minutes from highway 287, our campus has abundant off the street parking, ADA accessible access to all buildings, and modern fully enclosed single stall all gender bathrooms. Whatever your space needs, it is likely that Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship holds the answer.
Historic Thorne Oaks Mansion
Description and Guidelines for use of the Mansion
Thank you for your interest in renting facilities in our historic Thorne Oaks Mansion at the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (MUUF). Whether you are planning a small meeting, a community event, a wedding, a concert, or a long-term rental for your organization, we offer a variety of rooms that can accommodate different needs and preferences, most equipped with modern technology in a historic setting. You may enjoy the convenience of our spacious parking lot and the fun of our play areas for children.
When not required for church use, MUUF makes its facilities available for rental to charitable and non-profit organizations, and to groups, whose principal stated purpose is helping people in need, providing education, or providing cultural or health related activities, community development and/or promotion of religious, spiritual and moral values. Rentals for life events, such as weddings, must be officiated by a Unitarian Universalist Minister. MUUF does not rent its facilities to for-profit corporations for official company or business-oriented retreats.
Description of Facilities
Meeting Room – an octagonal shaped room with theater style, multi-level seating for 160 people. The room is air-conditioned and there is an audio-video system available and a piano on the stage. No food or drink is allowed in the Meeting Room.
Library – The intimate, oak-walled Library (17’ x 23’) is ideal for meetings or small classes up to 10-12 people. The Library is furnished with comfortable sofas and armchairs.
Dining Room – The Dining Room (24’ x 17’) is great for meetings and discussion groups. The large, oval table can seat up to 12 people.
Terrace Room – The Terrace Room (35’ x 20’) is a spacious room with hardwood floors, molded ceiling, and a non-working fireplace surrounded by tall windows that look out to the Courtyard. There is a piano in the room. It is ideal for receptions and intimate celebrations with table seating for 50 people.
Note: during construction of the Gateways Center (new building addition), the Terrace Room has limited capacity and no outdoor access. Construction is expected to be completed by November 2024.
Classrooms – The Thorne Oaks Mansion offers a range of classrooms/meeting rooms on the second and third floors perfect for brainstorming sessions, classes, lectures, and even yoga and meditation sessions. These rooms are not accessible for disabled people.
Scheduling
Rental space is typically allocated on a first come, first served basis. Rentals will not be scheduled more than ninety days in advance except for weddings. We expect all renters to welcome all people, without regard to race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or national origin, and to honor the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Of course, MUUF reserves the right to decline any rental for any reason.
Application Process
- Renter to make an appointment with the MUUF Administrator admin@muuf.org or Event Manager and tour the facility, if desired.
- Renter will obtain the application package and submit the completed forms to the MUUF office for review. The package includes but is not limited to:
- Rental Rate Schedule
- Description and Guidelines for Use
- Rental Application
- Rental Contract including Indemnification Agreement
- Renter will be notified of approval or disapproval within 10 working days from submission of the completed application.
- Upon approval, fees will be required as outlined in the Rental Application.
- If the Renter is a non-profit organization, a letter of determination from the IRS of non-profit 501(c)(3) status must be submitted.
Facility Availability
Only the specific room(s) reserved may be used and only for the time contracted. Reservation time must include setup and cleanup unless otherwise specified. Access to the building is not allowed outside of the contracted hours. Rentals may begin at 7 a.m.
The Morris Township Zoning Board Approval mandates that on weeknights, all events must end before 10 p.m. and the entire facility, including parking lots, must be vacated by 10:30 p.m. On weekend evenings, all events must end before 11 pm. and the entire facility, including parking lots, vacated by 11:30 p.m.
Furniture and Decorations
- Renter is responsible for setting up for the event as well as cleaning up afterward. MUUF requires a custodian to be on the premises during major events to supervise building use, deal with emergencies, and oversee final clean-up. MUUF is not responsible for items left in the building or on the grounds.
- No decorations are to be placed on the acoustic panels in the Great Hall. Light use of painter’s tape in other rooms may be permitted with the approval of the Administrator. No cellophane tape or staples may be used anywhere.
- If Renter wishes MUUF staff to remove extensive decoration at the end of the event, arrangements for additional payment for custodian time shall be made in advance.
- No furniture may be moved out of the Library.
- The piano in the Meeting Room and the Terrace Room may not be moved out of the room.
- Any item moved out of place in the Mansion must be returned to its original position including furniture and equipment that was in building storage spaces.
- Trash is to be bagged and deposited in the dumpster located in the Service Court outside the side porch. Recyclables are to be placed in the receptacle in the kitchen for disposal by MUUF custodian. Cardboard boxes are to be flattened and placed on the back porch.
Rental Inclusions
See Mansion Rental Rate Schedule. Rental fee includes the following:
- Access to reserved area from time of entry to time of final lock-up.
- Services of staff as identified in Rental Application
- Accessible parking (106 spaces) in the East lot; additional accessible parking (31 spaces) in the West lot. Parking on Normandy Heights Road is limited to the same side of the street as MUUF.
Kitchen Use
The Mansion kitchen may be used for coffee/tea service and for the staging of prepared foods only at the rate noted in the Rental Rate schedule.
Alcohol Policy
- Alcohol use on the property is limited to beer and wine only. When beer and wine is served, non-alcoholic beverages and food will also be served.
- Alcohol will be served by, served to, and consumed by persons 21 years of age minimally.
- If alcohol is served, it must be by an insured bartender. A Certificate of Insurance naming MUUF as additional insured must be provided one week prior to the event.
- If an admission fee is charged for an event, there shall be no alcoholic beverage served unless a permit is obtained the Morris Township and approved by the State ABC.
- Violation of this policy will result in immediate expulsion from the facility and forfeiting the entire security deposit.
Audio Visual
Audio Visual equipment is available in the Meeting Room for an additional fee but must be reserved. Renter may bring their own equipment at no additional cost.
Music
Amplified music must stop no later than 10 p.m. There shall be no amplified music outside, in front of, or at the sides of the building. When there is amplified music in the building, it must be kept at a level which will not disturb the neighborhood. Doors and windows at the front and side of the building shall be closed.
Animals and Pets
- No animals (except service or assistance animals) are allowed on the property other than for a special event with prior written consent from the Administrator.
- No animals are allowed in the kitchen at any time.
Climate Control
- Only the Meeting Room is air-conditioned; the rest of the Mansion is not. Heating and air conditioning controls shall be left as found unless specific instructions have been issued by a MUUF staff member or representative.
- Electric fans may be brought in with the approval of the Administrator.
- Space heaters may not be used. Fireplaces may not be used.
Parking
Parking is available in the East parking lot with overflow parking in the West parking lot or in the gravel parking lot facing Columbia Turnpike. Parking on Normandy Heights Road is limited to the same side of the street as the Fellowship. Renters are responsible for supervising their own parking. Events of broad public interest or those advertised publicly are required to hire a traffic officer. Off-duty police are available through Morris Township Police Department.
Additional Items
- Children are welcome and must always be under the care of supervising adults.
- No MUUF property or equipment shall be removed from the property.
- MUUF is not responsible for items left in the Mansion or on the grounds.
- No smoking, vaping, or drug use are permitted in the building. Smoking is permitted outside, and waste disposed in the provided cigarette receptacle or trash cans.
- No food or beverages are permitted in the Meeting Room or the Library.
- No firearms are permitted to be carried into the facility for any event.
- No ball playing, rollerblades, skates, or wheeled sports activities are allowed in the building or courtyard.
- Computer generated or professional directional signs may be taped to the glass of exterior doors just prior to the event and then cleanly removed afterwards. A directional sign may be placed at the driveway entrances and removed after the event.
- An Event Manager or staff custodian will be on the premises during major events to supervise building use and/or deal with emergencies.
- If a non-MUUF user publicizes an event at the Mansion, the ad is to read “using the facilities of the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.”
- Battery operated candles may be used.
- Raffles may be held only with the prior approval of Morris Township.
Renter Responsibilities and Requirements
- Make no changes to the facility without prior approval.
- Submit Rental Agreement with all attachments when reservation is confirmed by MUUF.
- Pay by cash or check, all rental fees, damage deposit, and additional fees for MUUF staff.
- Trash is to be bagged and deposited in the dumpster located in the Service Court outside the side porch. Recyclables are to be placed in the receptacle in the kitchen for disposal by MUUF custodian. Cardboard boxes are to be flattened and placed on the back porch.
- Report any damage or spills to the Event Manager for immediate attention.
Rental Rates (Mansion)
MANSION RENTAL RATE SCHEDULE -- 2025-2026
|
||||
2025-26 | 2025-26 | 2025-26 | 2025-26 | |
PLEDGING | NON-PROFIT/ | PLEDGING | NON-PROFIT/ | |
ROOM | MEMBER | NON--MEMBER | MEMBER | NON-MEMBER |
4 HOURS | 4 HOURS | PER HOUR | PER HOUR | |
(LESS THAN 4 HOURS)
|
||||
Meeting Room | $250 | $500 | $100 | $200 |
Library. * | $100 | $200 | $50 | $100 |
Dining Room | $100 | $200 | $50 | $100 |
Terrace Room * | $100 | $200 | $50 | $100 |
Kitchen | $25 | $50 | $25 | $50 |
Room 201 | $60 | $120 | $50 | $100 |
Room 203 | $60 | $120 | $50 | $100 |
Room 204 | $100 | $200 | $50 | $100 |
Room 205. * | $60 | $120 | $50 | $100 |
Room 206 | $60 | $120 | $50 | $100 |
Room 208 * | $60 | $120 | $50 | $100 |
Room 209 | $60 | $120 | $50 | $100 |
Room 301 | $100 | $200 | $50 | $100 |
Room 302 | $60 | $120 | $50 | $100 |
Room 303 | $60 | $120 | $50 | $100 |
* These rooms have monitors for use with your equipment.
|
||||
Rental rates include staff oversight weekdays.
|
||||
Plus: |
Custodial Service @ $30/hr.
|
|||
Event Manager Evenings & Weekends @ $40-50/hr.
|
||||
Damage Deposit of $300 by separate check
|
||||
Optional: |
Use of Monitor in Room @ $10/hr.
|
|||
Musician (Piano) @ $270/event
|
||||
Unitarian Universalist Minister -- no charge for Pledging Members
|
||||
Stipend for others to be determined.
|
Gateways Center
Thank you for your interest in renting facilities in our state-of-the-art contemporary building called Gateways Center at the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (MUUF), 21 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown. When not required for church use, MUUF makes its facilities available for rental to charitable and non-profit organizations, and to groups, whose principal stated purpose is helping people in need, providing education, or providing cultural or health related activities, community development and/or promotion of religious, spiritual and moral values. Rentals for life events, such as weddings, must be officiated by a Unitarian Universalist Minister. Renters may engage their own catering services, but MUUF will not rent the Chu Hall or kitchen facilities directly to a for-profit catering or banquet business. MUUF does not rent its facilities to for-profit corporations for official company or business-oriented retreats. Description of Facilities Uhrhane-Wilson Family Welcome Gallery – a 500 sq.ft. space with an open ceiling for receptions or cocktails prior to an event in Chu Family Hall. Chu Family Hall – a 4,000 sq.ft. contemporary space with floor to ceiling windows overlooking our grounds and with doors to a large Courtyard. At one end of the Hall is an 18” high stage and full audio/visual/lighting systems including a projector and a large screen for presentations. The Hall can accommodate seating for up to 140 people at tables or 200 people can be seated auditorium style. A state-of-the-art kitchen is adjacent to the Hall that will make catering stress-free. Courtyard – A spacious, stone-paved Courtyard adjacent to the Welcome Gallery and Chu Hall is available for receptions. Rooms A and B Each room is approximately 375 sq.ft. and able to seat 20 people at tables or 40 auditorium style. Each is equipped with a large monitor and whiteboard as well as a counter and sink. Gateways Center is fully accessible and has 11 fully enclosed all gender, private bathrooms, 6 of which are ADA compliant. Convenient, accessible parking is available. Scheduling Rental space is typically allocated on a first come, first served basis. Rentals will not be scheduled more than ninety days in advance except for weddings. We expect all renters to welcome all people, without regard to race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or national origin, and to honor the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Of course, MUUF reserves the right to decline any rental for any reason. The space is under construction with expected completion by November 2024. Rental reservation dates will be accepted for events starting in January 2025. Application Process Facility Availability Only the specific room(s) reserved may be used and only for the time contracted. Reservation time must include setup and cleanup unless otherwise specified. Rentals may begin at 7 a.m. The Morris Township Zoning Board Approval mandates that on weeknights, all events must end before 10 p.m. and the entire facility, including parking lots, must be vacated by 10:30 p.m. On weekend evenings, all events must end before 11 pm. and the entire facility, including parking lots, vacated by 11:30 p.m. Rental Inclusions See Gateways Rental Rate Schedule. Rental fee includes the following: Kitchen Use If the Renter plans to use the kitchen, in full, or limited, Renter must adhere to the procedures outlined in Kitchen Use Procedures. Alcohol Policy Sound System/Audio Visual Room Layout Animals and Pets Parking Accessible parking is available in the West parking lot (31 spaces) with overflow parking in the East parking lot (106 spaces) or in the gravel parking lot facing Columbia Turnpike. Parking on Normandy Heights Road is limited to the same side of the street as the Fellowship. Renters are responsible for supervising their own parking. Events of broad public interest or those advertised publicly are required to hire a traffic officer. Off-duty police are available through Morris Township Police Department. Additional Items Renter Responsibilities and Requirements
Description and Guidelines for use of the Gateways Center
Rental Rates (Gateways Center)
2025-26
2025-26
ROOM
PLEDGING
NON-PROFITS/
MEMBERS
NON-MEMBERS
CHU HALL with full use of kitchen
$1,000-1,200
$2,000-2,400
Seating up to 140 people
Max. 8 hours including set up and clean up
Includes: As needed, choose from:
60" round tables (20 available)
60"x30" rectangular tables (9 available)
30" high top tables (12 available)
140 black folding chairs
Use of Welcome Gallery & Courtyard
and Kitchen
Accessible parking lot
CHU HALL with limited use of kitchen *
$400-500
$800-1,000
Seating up to 140
Max. 5 hours including set up and clean up
Includes: As needed, choose from:
60" round tables (20 available)
60"x30" rectangular tables (9 available)
30" high top tables (12 available)
140 black folding chairs
Use of Welcome Gallery, Courtyard
and Kitchen for coffee service
Accessible parking lot
CLASSROOMS 2 hour minimum
$75/hr.
$150/hr
Includes: As needed, choose from:
60"round tables (4 available)
60"x30" rectangular tables (9 available)
24 chairs
40 chairs if auditorium seating
Accessible parking lot
* If coffee & tea, custodian plus
$5/person
$5/person
Event Manager
$40-50/hr.
$40-50/hr
Green Apron
$25/hr.
$25/hr.
Custodial Service
$30/hr.
$30/hr.
A/V/L Technician (2 hour minimum)
$75/hr
$75/hr
Musician (Piano)
$270/event
$270/event
Unitarian Universalist Minister or Officiant
No Charge
TBD
Damage Deposit
$300
$300
We look forward to hearing from you!