Using Spotlights in the Chapel

[prorecto]

Hi everyone! I’m a new Stake Tech Spec and I was recently approached about an Easter concert that is to be held in the chapel. There were questions about sound and such, but also questions about bringing in spotlights to shine on the singers and the choir as the songs are performed. It was always my understanding that the chapel is considered an ordinance room in certain respects and extra lighting, particularly spotlights were not appropriate. I also thought that extra lighting, extension cords, etc. were a violation and a liability concern for the Church. Can anybody provide assistance with this? Thank you!

[russellhltn]

All I can find is Handbook 19.3.5 and 35.5.7.1 which makes a circular reference to each other.

While I am a bit concerned, I see nothing against it.

But I have to say that "choir" and "spotlight" in the same sentence makes my eye twitch. Spotlights make horrible stage lighting. It's harsh and from a low angle. While it's not as bad as holding a flashlight under your face for telling spooky stories, it's not really the vib you want for a Easter concert. Any added lighting needs to come from above to seem halfway natural.

You might approach FM to see if the lighting for the choir can be upgraded. They may have put some lower wattage bulbs in for energy conservation.

[Mikerowaved]

While the decision of one stake doesn't mean it's OK for every stake, I assisted in a production 5 years ago written by one of the stake members. Prior to the production starting, the stake presidency and high council sat on the stand giving their full support and blessing.

The production included stage lighting, costumes, multiple wireless microphones, even wood platforms were built and assembled on the rostrum. They had 2 video cameras being switched, captured, and live-streamed using a rather powerful PC.

Here's an edited version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnEJtFQELL0

If you roll the credits (starting around 1:02:35) you'll get an idea of how big a production this really was. I can't speak for your stake, just show you what one stake did.

[sbradshaw]

Handbook 2 had several policies limiting the use of the chapel. Most of these were removed or revised when the new General Handbook was published in 2020. Sources:

• Handbook 2: Administering the Church (May 2019)
• General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (February 2025)
• Meetinghouse Facilities Guide

On music and cultural events in the chapel:

Handbook 2 (May 2019)
14.9.1: "Some cultural and recreational music may be presented in the chapel on weekdays. However, the cultural hall is usually a more appropriate setting for such music. … Applause is not usually appropriate in the chapel."

General Handbook (February 2025)
19.3.5: "The chapel may occasionally be used for cultural arts events that include secular music, such as concerts, recitals, and other presentations. While applause is discouraged in worship services, it may be appropriate for these events."

On marriages performed in Church buildings:

Handbook 2 (May 2019)
14.9.5: "Civil marriage ceremonies should be simple, conservative, and without pomp in the proceedings. When a wedding ceremony is held in a Church building, a wedding march is not appropriate."

General Handbook (February 2025)
38.3.4: "Weddings performed in Church buildings should be simple and dignified. Music should be sacred, reverent, and joyful. Marriages may be performed in the chapel, the cultural hall, or another suitable room."

On photos of general authorities:

Handbook 2 (May 2019)
21.1.6: "Members should not take photographs of General Authorities or Area Seventies in chapels."

General Handbook (February 2025)
38.8.4: "Members should not take photographs of General Authorities, General Officers, or Area Seventies in chapels during meetings."

On decorations in the chapel:

Handbook 2 (May 2019)
21.2.2: "With the exception of flowers, decorations may not be placed in the chapel area of the meetinghouse."

Meetinghouse Facilities Guide
"Decorations other than flowers may not be placed in the chapel during sacrament meetings."

On photos, videos, and broadcasts in the chapel:

Handbook 2 (May 2019)
21.2.10: "Taking photographs or making video recordings in chapels is not permitted. Meetings and other events that are held in the chapel may not be broadcast over the Internet or by any other means (see 18.3.1 for an exception)."
18.3.1: "If necessary, conference sessions may be broadcast to other locations in the stake."
18.6.4: "Video recordings and computer or other electronic presentations should not be used as part of a funeral service. Nor should the service be broadcast on the Internet or in any other way."

General Handbook (February 2025)
29.8: "To preserve the sacredness of Church meetings, no one should take photographs or make video recordings of sacrament meetings or stake conferences."
29.7: "For the benefit of these members and others, the bishop may authorize livestreaming of sacrament meetings (see 29.2.1.5), baptismal services, funerals, and other ward meetings. The stake president may authorize livestreaming of stake conference (see 29.3.1) and other stake meetings."

The General Handbook does say this:

General Handbook (February 2025)
35.5.7.1: "Chapels are rooms where members worship and partake of the sacrament. Meetings and activities held in chapels should be in harmony with these purposes."

[BrianEdwards]

Handbook 2 had several policies limiting the use of the chapel. Most of these were removed or revised when the new General Handbook was published in 2020.....

One of the great aspects of the Forum is members who take personal time and effort to collect and then share concise information like this. For all types of things, ranging from Handbook changes to A/V setup procedures and beyond, having consolidated (and accurate!) info is an amazing resource. Thanks @sbradshaw for putting your response together.