South Congregational Church in Amherst was established in 1824 and sits adjacent to the bucolic South Amherst Common. The church property is 5.7 acres in size and has a commanding view eastward to the Pelham Hills across the virtually undeveloped Hop Brook Valley.
The Church itself has a sanctuary with a capacity of 300 people and a large meeting space below the sanctuary that can seat 80 people. The sanctuary and meeting room have AV connections and a sound system. Video recording capability is available in the sanctuary.
A full commercial kitchen is also available that was renovated in 2018 and is constructed to modern plumbing and safety codes.
The education wing of the church has two large meeting spaces and three smaller classrooms as well.
The church is powered by solar energy which also runs air source heat pumps for heating and cooling offering a comfortable space at any time of year.
The church is handicapped accessible with an elevator and ramps permitting access to any room in the building.
The parking lot has 65 paved parking spaces with 4 handicapped parking spaces located next to the south entrance.
A memorial garden off the east side of the property has benches and provides a peaceful, serene place for reflection or a wedding.
South Congregational Church in Amherst is a welcoming and inclusive church. It is also open and affirming. As such, South Church will rent its physical facilities to members of the congregation and select individuals or groups for any purpose consistent with the Church’s mission.
In addition to weddings and funerals, the Church is typically used for community-organized events that are not-for-profit, non-commercial, and have a service-oriented, outreach or educational emphasis. The church is available for single or regularly-scheduled, long-term events.
