Have you ever been frustrated by the time limitations and rules of chapels and other funeral venues?
Many families are left feeling rushed when paying their last respects to loved ones. However, this need not be the case any longer.
A brand-new offering for funerals in the Stoke-on-Trent area is ripping up the rule book and providing an opportunity for truly bespoke services in a stunning venue. Recently opened by celebrant Kate Moran, The Old Chapel Etruria, provides a beautiful venue for a funeral service with a unique approach that will allow every family the time and space they need to say their final farewells.
The Old Chapel
Originally a Methodist church, The Old Chapel shut its doors in 1998. Occasional funeral services have taken place since 1998, however, the building fell into disrepair and was bought by a local architect in 2018. It has since been lovingly renovated into the stunning venue it is today. Looking for a suitable location to open a venue for funeral services, Kate was delighted to find The Old Chapel, instantly recognising how perfect it is to fulfil her inspiration.
A large building, The Old Chapel will be able to accommodate up to 200 mourners. There is a mezzanine level with huge organ that is a spectacular feature. Styled in a traditional manner to accommodate the history of the building, the décor is subtle and understated making it ideal for any type of funeral service.
Funerals At The Old Chapel
Kate had a vision to provide an option for completely unique funeral services with less of the limitations and time restrictions of the usual venues that are available within the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire area. That vision has now become reality at The Old Chapel Etruria that is now taking bookings, you can find out more on their website.
Whether you would like a modern celebration of life with many unique elements or more of a traditional service The Old Chapel can accommodate your requirements.
Time is the focus of the venue. No matter the type of service most chapels limit ceremonies to either 20 or 30 minutes, which is restrictive and often results in shorter ceremonies than may be desired.
Each funeral at The Old Chapel will be allocated an hour timeslot, with the option of an additional hour free of charge. This will provide much more time for every family to customise the service for their loved one. There will also be time for the family to reflect after the service, with tea and coffee for friends and relatives included if required.
What is Unique About The Old Chapel?
Time is the simple answer to the question. There are of course a lot of unique features about The Old Chapel both in terms of the building itself and the service offered, however, providing families with more time is the priority. Other features include:
- Bespoke service
- Use any celebrant or minister that you’d like
- Photographic or video tributes
- Large venue accommodating up to 200 mourners
- Acoustics and space for live music
- Beautifully finished renovation
- Tea and coffee
The Old Chapel can accommodate many more unique elements than at standard venues. Time can be used to allow the option of personalised photographic and video tributes that can be presented on the large screens.
With such as big space available, and fantastic acoustics, there is even the option for live music to be incorporated into the service. Tea and coffee can be provided, but there is also the option to include food and drink that are part of the deceased’s heritage into the service if required. Time would also be available for family and friends to give their own tributes, personal anecdotes, poems, stories, and or music for a completely bespoke service.
Available to book directly or via local funeral directors, you can pair the venue with any celebrant or minister.
Steve will be working closely with Kate and is synchronous with her vision to provide each family with a truly unique funeral service that is customised to the personality of the person that has died. If you would like Steve to officiate at the Old Chapel at the funeral of your loved one, let your appointed funeral director know when you are making your arrangements, or he can be contacted directly.
Realising The Vision
Kate and her partner have four children and they have all been involved in helping her to bring this dream alive.
She says, “having the opportunity to now work alongside others within the funeral sector who share my vision will ensure more families within the Stoke-on-Trent area can give their loved one the funeral they deserve.”
