The Ministers at Central Baptist Church officiate wedding ceremonies for members and non-members on a regular basis. Please read the “Handbook for Planning a Marriage at Central Baptist Church” which contains the policies and procedures, plus fee schedule: A CHRISTIAN WEDDING. Then, contact the Church Office to schedule your service. Pastor Ivan performs a limited number of “No Fee Weddings” for couples in the commuinty. Please speak with him regarding these services (Phone: 217-222-1310).
A CHRISTIAN WEDDING: A Handbook for Planning a Marriage at Central Baptist Church of Quincy, Illinois
REV. IVAN E. GREUTER, SENIOR MINISTER
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH • 321 N. 7th STREET • QUINCY, IL 62301 • PHONE: 217-222-1310
From the Pastor: Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding! I hope that your wedding and your marriage will be uplifting, encouraging and fulfill all of your hopes. On behalf of Central Baptist Church, we rejoice with you in your wedding. I encourage you to be married in your home church. If this is not possible or desirable, I would be glad to perform your wedding as a Pastor of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The more personal contact we have, the better the wedding ceremony will be. Therefore, I invite you to become actively involved in our congregation as your wedding day approaches.
We consider the covenant of marriage to be a serious and special bond between one man and one woman, and we are pleased that we can play a part in this special time for you. This booklet is intended to give you all the information necessary to make this occasion a meaningful celebration and assure you that the wedding and surrounding tasks run smoothly.
I look forward to meeting with you very soon. Please call if you have any questions or need further guidance. My desire is to assist you in making this special day as Christ centered, God honoring and memorable as possible.
Blessings,
Rev. Ivan E. Greuter
Senior Minister
There are several different types of weddings that can be performed at Central Baptist Church of Quincy. It is important that you choose the ceremony that best fits your dreams and style – services can be very simple, traditional, liturgical (formal) or casual, depending upon the couple’s desires. Each service has a separate fee associated with it. Please see information below.
Our Church: Central Baptist Church of Quincy, Illinois, has been sharing the message of God’s love in Jesus in this community since 1830. Originally, two Baptist families met in a home in Quincy for prayer and the reading of the Bible. These people initiated the Baptist witness for Christ that has continued in this city for more than one hundred and fifty years. It has survived wars, a tornado, fire and in the early years, unavoidable dissension over slavery.
In 1843 the church acquired the bell that hangs in the tower today. The bell, one of three cast in New York, was being shipped up the Mississippi River on consignment to customers. Running short on money, the captain of the riverboat was forced to sell one bell to pay the freight charges on the others. Governor John Wood, Samuel Holmes and R.M. Young bought the bell and offered it to the first church in Quincy that would provide a belfry. The Baptist congregation received the bell which still rings each Sunday.
From the early Baptist witness, these churches developed: German Baptist, Vermont Street Baptist, Immanuel Baptist, Bible Baptist, Calvary Baptist and Grandview Baptist. One of the greatest achievements of the Spirit of God was the union in 1916 of the First Baptist and Vermont Street Baptist Churches to form the Central Baptist Church.
Today, Central is the only Baptist Church in Quincy that can trace its history in a direct line from the year 1835. Its members number in the hundreds, rejoicing in two worship services each Sunday – traditional service at 8:30 AM and contemporary service at 11:00 AM – a growing Sunday school and midweek Bible studies. Members come from a wide background, both geographically and spiritually, seeking authentic relationships in a welcoming atmosphere.
The sanctuary was constructed in 1942. Many of the windows, furnishing and artwork were handcrafted by members and friends of Central Baptist and donated by loved ones to remember prominent church members and families. The sanctuary was intentionally designed to reflect the simplicity of the Baptist faith. The simple furniture, bare walls, unpadded pews, high pulpit and centralized communion table focus worshippers on the importance of the Gospel that Jesus Christ came to offer his life for people and God raised him from the dead. Bible study, mission work and moral living are three hallmarks of the Baptist faith.
The congregation at Central Baptist is very friendly and hospitable. Visitors and guests remark that our church is a warm, welcoming place to worship. We hope and pray that every couple getting married in our church would carefully consider joining our fellowship and participate in the active life of our church. For more information about Central and membership, please speak with the Pastor.
Meeting with the Pastor: The pastor will want to meet with you at least once to schedule premarital counseling dates and to set the date for your service. This is important for several reasons. First, it will give you an opportunity to get to know one another, and this will make for a much better wedding ceremony. Second, the meetings will enable you to discuss issues that will play a central role in your marriage – common values, hopes and dreams, children, religious background, communication styles and spiritual convictions. Third, they will enable you to talk about marriage in general and your wedding service in particular.
The Pastor generally does not reserve the date of the service on the church calendar until after his first meeting with the couple. Please speak with the Pastor to reserve your date by calling 217-222-1310. You should call him three to six months before your intended wedding date.
What Is Included in a Wedding Service? At Central Baptist, wedding services are held throughout the year, on any day of the week except Sunday mornings; depending on the church schedule. Couples can request a morning, afternoon or evening service.
Most services will include:
- A Call to Worship
- Declaration of Marriage
- Statement of Intent
- Reading from Scripture (see Pastor for list)
- A brief message or homily
- Prayers for family, couple and their future
- Vows (traditional, contemporary, modern, etc.)
- Exchange of ring(s)
- Lighting of candles
- Music – traditional, special or contemporary
- The Traditional Kiss
- Pronouncement
- Formal Introduction
- Benediction
The order of service will be personalized to fit the personality of the bride and groom.
CHURCH POLICY & ETIQUETTE
The building of Central Baptist is dedicated to the glory and service of God, and is available to the members and community for worship, study and significant occasions. In order to provide guidance for the celebration of marriage, the following policies and procedures have been adopted by the officers of the church, along with some general guidelines on church etiquette for wedding services. The bride and groom are responsible for insuring that all policies and procedures are followed by the wedding party, family, friends and guests. Violation of these policies and procedures may result in the cancellation of the celebration without notice, liability or reimbursement.
Alcohol, Gambling and Smoking: First and foremost, the church is a place of prayer, worship, Christian instruction and fellowship. We ask your cooperation in helping us keep the church a holy place. Please do not bring alcoholic beverages on to church property. No gambling is to take place on church property. We are a smoking-free environment. Please observe the “No Smoking” signs throughout the church building.
No service will be performed for couples who are intoxicated or for wedding parties who are drunk. The Pastor reserves the right not to perform a service if any person in the bridal party or immediate family has been drinking in the twenty-four hours prior to the service.
Bulletins / Bulletin Covers: The church office is able to provide couples with a list of possible vendors that supply bulletin covers. The couple is responsible for purchasing their bulletin covers directly from the manufacturer.
Candles and Candelabra: If you wish to use our candelabras and candles, please secure “drip-less candles” and place a heavy plastic sheet under the candelabras. The church has two black and two silver-grey candelabras which hold seven candles each, base size ¾ inch (candle inserts cost is $8.00 for 14 candles).
If you plan to light a unity-candle, please purchase this item from a vendor of your choosing. All candles wider than two inches must have a globe two inches taller than the top of the flame with a fire resistant base (metal or glass preferred). Please clean up any wax that might spill on the carpet, pews or tables. Candle wax can permanently damage carpet, upholstery and wood.
Chapel & Parlor Service: Couples wanting a simple service are encouraged to hold their ceremony in the Chapel or Parlor. The Chapel is tastefully decorated with twenty pews which comfortably hold sixty guests. Services in the Chapel and Parlor are limited to two attendants and no rehearsal. Couples are expected to secure and pay their own musicians. There are no fees for Chapel and Parlor services.
Children and Infants: We love children! Jesus was often taking children into his arms and blessing them. To help parents and guests enjoy their experience at our church, we have a nursery located on the first floor. There are diaper changing stations and a nursing mother’s room in the nursery. For the safety of our children and guests, please dispose of diapers in the appropriate receptacles and follow all printed guidelines for hand washing. Please report any broken toys or equipment to the church office or pastor.
Custodian: Weddings require extra work for our building custodian during his free time. The fee for his service is set forth on the fee schedule. The Sanctuary and reception are to be arranged by the family or florist according to Baptist traditions. The Custodian will clean and rearrange the rooms after the wedding.
Date of Ceremony: The wedding date must be approved through the church office as soon as possible. This includes the use of the Sanctuary, Chapel and reception rooms. The church policy is “first come – first served.” Couples using the Sanctuary must secure their date with a $350.00 refundable deposit. There is no deposit for the use of the Chapel or Parlor.
Florist and Flowers: Arrangements for floral decorations should be made with the florist of your choice, except at Easter and Christmas time when arrangements may be made with the Decorating Committee to use the church decorations. In this case, the bride’s family is asked to make a donation to the fund which provides these flowers.
Most local florists will be able to suggest various decorations for your consideration. If your florist is not familiar with our church, he or she should be told that it is not permissible to put tape, nails or tacks into the woodwork. The florist should speak with our church office if they have any questions.
Guest Speakers: The Pastor must approve all clergy and other religious leaders who wish to participate in the service. Normally, weddings will not be conducted in the church unless Central’s pastor(s) can participate. Please speak with the Pastor directly prior to inviting guest speakers or presenters.
Honorariums: While pastors are on salary from the church, their services for weddings are usually required during their days off or during times free to their family. A church wedding with counseling, rehearsal, wedding service and record keeping requires about ten hours of the pastor’s time. The honorarium or “love gift” given to the pastor is left to the decision of the couple in consideration and appreciation of the spiritual counsel and services rendered, as well as for the time involved in planning, rehearsal and the performing of the wedding ceremony. However, a gift should never be given out of mere compliance with custom, but as a sincere expression for the pastor’s part in working with the couple to achieve the highest spiritual aims in their wedding.
Active members of Central Baptist Church who voluntarily participate in the financial support of the church’s ministry and mission will not be expected or required to pay honorariums or fees for pastoral service from constituents they serve, when these constituents are helping pay their salaries (Covenant & Code of Ethics).
Invitations: When ordering invitations, the suggested form for the name and address of the church:
Central Baptist Church
321 North Seventh Street
Quincy, Illinois 62301
Language: The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Therefore, we ask that all people refrain from the use of foul language, inappropriate humor and rude speech. Remember that a wedding celebration is also a worship service. Be mindful of other worshippers by whispering in the Sanctuary and refrain from talking during the service.
License: The State of Illinois requires that a license for marriage be obtained and the couple fulfills the legal formality of pronouncement. See the Adams County Clerk’s Office for details. Please bring the marriage license and accompanying papers to the Church Office as soon as possible. The Pastor will be responsible for mailing the completed license to the Clerk’s Office following the ceremony.
Music / Musicians: If organ music is used in your ceremony, it must be provided by our Organist. Couples may arrange for their own vocalists, pianists or guitarists. Since a wedding is a religious service, the music – whether instrumental or vocal – should be appropriate in words and music for worship. If a secular or contemporary melody is used, be sure that the lyrics are approved by the Pastor prior to the rehearsal.
Our Organist and pianists are excellent musicians and are familiar with a wide selection of music that is appropriate for church wedding services. You may wish to leave your choice of music with the church office. Usually, prelude music is played as guests are seated. Separate music is played for the seating of grandparents, parents and special guests. The processional and recessional are reserved for the bridal party. Contact our Organist for a list of recommended music.
Church Organist: Mrs. James (Margaret) Mealiff, Mendon, Illinois, Phone: (217) 936-2668
Photographers and Videographers: Most couples want their wedding ceremony to be recorded by a photographer and / or videographer. Pictures may be taken before and after the ceremony in the bride’s room, the groom’s room, in the halls, balcony, in the sanctuary and outdoors. During the ceremony, pictures may be taken in the sanctuary as long as they are in good taste and do not disrupt the worship service. Flash pictures during the ceremony are strongly discouraged, and please, no pictures from the chancel during the ceremony. Videographers must be stationary during the entire wedding service (no roaming).
Premarital Counseling: Couples must complete three one-hour premarital counseling sessions with the Pastor or his designate prior to the rehearsal; unless the Pastor approves otherwise. These sessions are intended to help the couple prepare for the changes that occur when they enter into the state of holy matrimony. The sessions are designed so they are not intrusive but help couples understand their communication styles, relationship dynamics and the importance of Christ-centered living. It is the responsibility of the couple to phone the pastor to set the time for the first session.
These sessions can also help the couple make important decisions regarding their wedding service. Preparing for a wedding can be time consuming and stressful. However, a healthy relationship can be the first step to a productive ceremony. The couple is expected to schedule all counseling sessions with the Pastor. Please be courteous and call if you cannot keep the appointment.
Rehearsals: If the wedding party consists of no more than four adults, a rehearsal may not be necessary. However, if more than four persons are involved, and especially if children are included, a rehearsal is wise. Sixty minutes is ample time for the rehearsal, and all persons involved are urged to be prompt. The rehearsal traditionally occurs the night prior to the wedding at 5:00 PM, depending upon the church schedule.
The rehearsal includes instructions for the wedding party, two rehearsals with music, formation of the reception line, and instructions for the ushers. If there is a rehearsal dinner, please plan additional time for travel. It is courteous to invite the pastor and his wife to the rehearsal dinner.
Rice, Birdseed, Confetti, etc.: We ask for your cooperation in finding environmentally safe items to throw or release following the wedding ceremony. All items, including birdseed, butterflies and bubbles, are allowed outside of the building. We ask the wedding party be free of items prior to reentering the church.
In view of the millions of people who are hungry in the world, please do not scatter rice. Please do not use confetti, tissue or silk flowers or other non-biodegradable objects either inside or outside the church building, and please do not release balloons. Inform family, wedding party and guests of these limitations.
The Sanctuary: There are thirty pews in our Sanctuary and the church aisles are sixty feet from the back of the Sanctuary to the base of the chancel steps. There is nineteen feet from the front of the chancel to the altar. There are eleven pews in the balcony. All children must be escorted by a responsible adult in the balcony.
The piano and organ may not be moved for any reason. If you plan for a flower girl to throw petals, you must secure an aisle cloth from your florist. The wedding party is responsible for collecting all the spent petals. Please avoid sweet-smelling petals since they stain the carpet and pews.
It is customary for the church to remain open for one hour following the rehearsal for decorating. The church will then reopen two hours prior to the wedding service for pictures, for the arrival of guests and for last minute details, depending on the church schedule. The bride, groom, their attendants and family are welcome to dress for the ceremony in appropriate rooms. If additional time is needed after the rehearsal or prior to the ceremony, please speak with the pastor. The church cannot be held responsible for any lost, stolen or misplaced items. Do not leave valuables in any of the rooms. Items discovered abandoned after the wedding will be kept in the church office for thirty days.
The bride’s parents are encouraged to remain at the church after the ceremony to take down any decorations and to do any last minute cleaning. Couples may take additional pictures after the ceremony. Please schedule this time with the pastor. Please inform the pastor of any pictures you would like taken with him.
Please help us keep the church building and grounds a beautiful place to meet God and His people. No eating or drinking in the Sanctuary; and no gum. Do not put feet on book-holders, offering envelope racks or back of pews. The church building fee shall apply for the use of the building to cover the cost of heat, water, air-conditioning, lights and use of equipment. The bride and groom will be responsible for all costs for replacing lost or broken items.
Couples are required to pay a refundable deposit of $350.00 when the date is reserved for the Sanctuary.
Sound / Audio / Visual Technicians: The church’s audio and visual equipment is sensitive. Therefore, an outside operator may not be brought in to run audio or visual equipment. Couples using the Sanctuary are expected to pay an Audio / Visual fee. Families may bring their own video to play but must pay an additional $35.00 fee for our operator to display the slide show. Please give the pastor the slide show one week before the rehearsal.
Worship: The focus of Christian worship is on God, alone. Remember, a Christian wedding is a worship service. Persons interested in having their ceremony in the church should be committed to the Christian faith and church teachings. It is expected that couples desiring to have their wedding ceremony in the church will attend worship regularly.
The Pastor reserves the right not to perform a service without ramifications or refunds.
FEES & HONORARIUMS – Revised October 18, 2007
Below is a schedule of fees for weddings in Central Baptist Church of Quincy. Couples are encouraged to pay all fees at the time they schedule the use of the church building. All fees must be paid one week prior to the rehearsal. The pastor’s honorarium is normally given to him after the service.
Service in Chapel or Parlor: No fees
Service in the Sanctuary
- Refundable deposit $350.00
- Building fee $250.00
- Custodian $100.00
- Organist $ 125.00
- Audio / Visual Technician $ 50.00
- Slide Technician (additional) $ 35.00
Receptions
- Parlor or Lounge $ 50.00
- Fellowship Hall $ 75.00
Candelabras drip-less inserts (14) $ 8.00
Pastoral Honorarium* $ 150.00
*Active members of Central Baptist Church who voluntarily participate in the financial support of the church’s ministry and mission will not be charged building, custodial, organist or audio / visual technician fees, or pastoral honorariums.
Copyright © 2007 by the Central Baptist Church of Quincy, Illinois. All Rights Reserved.
