New Guard Introduction
Marble Collegiate Church, 1 West 29 Street (212) 686-2770
Rick Harper cell: 917.579.1320 (Events Manager)
• Attire: suit and tie with appropriate footwear. Armed Guards will keep firearms concealed. There is a closet available and located by the security desk to safeguard personal items, Jackets, bags etc.
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Overview
• Sunday arrival time is 0930 hours, enter through the 29th Street doors.
• Check in with 29th Street Security Guard for any updates of the day.
• Upon arrival, conduct a quick cursory inspection of the exterior and interior of the church, for unauthorized persons, packages, protests, nearby construction or any other unusual circumstance. Advise Events Mgr on duty, if necessary.
(See attached maps and schematics)
• Know the location of the fire alarm panels. Also be familiar with all emergency exits and the egress of the church. Note the fire alarm panel for system mode.
• Conduct an Exterior perimeter check
• Tour Interior Rooms on each floor and report obstructions for egress
• Assume post on the lower concourse level, after initial inspection as soon as possible, for the spiritual education class. Familiarize yourself with the lower level, chapel, labyrinth, columbarium, bathrooms etc. Know the exits, elevator and bathroom locations. There is a custodial staff/building manager available, if the need arises.
• Remain on the lower level until 1025 hours and then respond to the main entrance Fifth Ave Lobby (also called The Narthex) for the opening of the 5th Ave. entrance door and the handicap ramp on 29th Street. Omni presence will be the key to preventing problems from occurring inside the church. Remain visible in the lobby positioned to observe both open entrances. While these doors are open, this will be your primary location until the congregation enters/departs and both doors are locked. The balconies will remain closed, (except for staff and choir) unless otherwise directed. Authorized personnel of the church will be granted access.
• Special attention will ALWAYS be given to any clergy, especially if present in the main lobby or near open entrances. Know who they are.
• Be Alert during the collection of donation cash offering. Witness the bagging and the safe drop after the collection. Be guided by the Events Mgr on duty of the daily procedure and where to meet that person.
• Oversee closing of 5th Avenue Entrances post-worship unless there are continuous events.
• See the Events Mgr on duty for dismissal, usually after the last safe drop.
House Rules
• Personal cell phones should be on vibration mode and usage should be limited to only important matters, especially during the service. This is a strict and enforced policy.
• When dealing with a problem or situation be professional and diplomatic.
• No food is permitted inside the sanctuary. Only water is permitted.
• No battery operated scooters, bikes and anything with a large lithium battery are permitted inside the building, except wheelchairs.
Restricted List
• There are several people restricted from entering the church for various reasons. The staff and greeters are aware of their identities and will let you know. See Events Manager on duty for further information.
The above directive is for your information and guidance. It is not a complete list of all responsibilities. If any questions arise, see staff members or Events Mgr.
Typical Timeline
930am- Arrival, Check-in with staff, tour of facility
9:50am- Observe Lower Level Concourse area in hallway for traffic. Courtesy Coffee & Tea is available.
10:30am- Report to Main level 5th Avenue Lobby (also called Narthex). Doors for worship open at 10:30.
11:00am- Worship Service Begins
11:40am- Approximate time for donation plate collection. Discuss procedure with staff.
12:05pm- Worship concludes, Ministers greet congregation and visitors.
12:15pm- Main doors closed. Wait in Sanctuary for witnessing of wooden box donation collection (this varies each Sunday depending on schedule).
12:30-1:30- Preparation to depart depending on activities.
Emergency Guidelines
If fire alarm sounds, our guidance is to evacuate everyone in sanctuary via main Fifth Ave. doors, regardless of known reason for alarm, if it is safe to exit there. We have over 80 sensors with a fully mapped guide. An announcement from the main stage (chancel) will be made for exiting.
Key maintenance staff, the 29th Street Guard and the Events Manager are certified for Fire Procedures.
The children on the 2nd floor have practiced exiting in a special way down the stairs and exit via 29th Street Lobby, if that is a safe area to exit. They have a dedicated meeting spot.
The main panel is directly below where the 29th Street Guard sits, in the concourse area.
The 2nd main panel is inside the sanctuary, next to an AED wall mounted device.
We can discuss continuing emergency procedures on an ongoing basis. Thanks for your attention to this.
