Our Policies


Bylaws

The Chapel of the Cross is proud to be a parish within the Anglican Communion, the Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi.  Our parish is organized by the Constitution and Canons of General Convention and the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Mississippi, as well as our own parish by-laws and financial procedures. We are governed by a Vestry which meets monthly to pray for, supervise, and provide vision for the many ministries of the Chapel of the Cross. To meet our vestry and read minutes from our past Vestry meetings, click here.

Weddings

Are you getting married?  Congratulations!  The Chapel of the Cross looks forward to celebrating God’s blessing on your relationship and witnessing your vows.  Weddings are important and joyous occasions in the life of every family and the clergy and wedding guild give every wedding the special attention it deserves.  In order to facilitate the planning process, the Rector has endorsed these guidelines.  Please note, only members of the Chapel and their immediate family may celebrate their marriage in the Chapel or on Chapel grounds.

Chapel of the Cross Wedding Policy

Photography

The Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and reflects the deep, rich roots of our Episcopal faith, the founding families of this parish, and members of our parish community. You are welcome to enjoy our church and grounds and we encourage you to pause and reflect during your visit.

In consideration of issues of privacy, security, potential disruption of services, and most importantly, respect of this sacred place, please abide by the following guidelines.

  • The church and grounds are open to visitors from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. As a courtesy, visitors should ask permission to tour the grounds prior to doing so at the Chapel of the Cross office located in the Parish Hall.
  • Photography inside the Chapel is not permitted unless associated with those who have been involved with a worship service — baptism, confirmation, etc.
  • The Chapel of the Cross reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withhold or withdraw permission to photograph on its premises or to permit the reproduction of photographs taken on Chapel grounds.
  • If you are a professional photographer seeking to use the Chapel as a shoot location please see the full policy statement below which includes a permission request form.

Chapel of the Cross Photography Policy

Alcohol

The Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church recognizes the importance of responsible and controlled use of alcoholic beverages. The Chapel does not support overuse of alcohol that impairs God’s gift of human capacities for clear, functional, and proper activities. The following policy applies to official church events, meetings, and social gatherings.

Chapel of the Cross Alcohol Policy

Fundraising

We financially support the on‐going ministries of Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church through the budget of the general operating fund.  However, at times, additional funding may be desired for specific projects, trips, or ministries that are not covered by the general operating fund.

Additionally, requests may be made of our members at large for the donation of goods and other charitable gifts, such as school supplies, clothing, and toys, for the benefit our parish, our community, and other charitable programs.

The purpose of this policy is to allow us to take advantage of fund raising opportunities, charitable “drives,” and parish-wide requests for donations in a way that preserves congregational relationships, protects our tax-exempt status, and upholds the Chapel’s policies and priorities.

Chapel of the Cross Fundraising Policy