How long has the James R. Mossie Banquet Facility been in business?
We have been serving residents and businesses in eastern Chester and western Montgomery Counties with meeting and banquet services since 1963. Formerly known as the Oaks Fire Company Hall, the Oaks Fire Company and the Mont Clare Fire Company became the Black Rock Volunteer Fire Company in 2013. Black Rock Volunteer Fire Company owns and manages the James R. Mossie Banquet Facility. Our current General and Assistant Managers have been affiliated with the Hall for over 20 years.
Do you have any testimonials from events held in your facilities?
Yes!! We have received unsolicited testimonials from our guests, and in many cases we have hosted wedding receptions for successive generations of the same family.
Can I decorate the Hall for my event?
Yes! You can personalize the Hall for your special event with certain limitations* that can be discussed with your Event Manager.
Can I have a customized table layout?
Our staff will work with you on a customized layout of the tables for your event. The only restriction is we can not have food tables along the back of the Hall or in front of the windows.
Can the facility comfortably accommodate the number of guests we are planning?
The James R. Mossie Banquet Facility located in Oaks, PA, comfortably accommodates 180 guests for a reception/party type event using 60” round tables with a head table and dance floor. It can accommodate 200 guests for a fund raising type event (i.e. bingo, beef and beer, etc.) using rectangular tables without a dance floor.
Do you provide an event coordinator?
Your personal Event Manager will be available to answer your questions and assist you in planning your Special Day from your initial site visit through your event.
Does your facility have a photo area?
The James R. Mossie Banquet Facility is located on 17 acres and has a gazebo available and open grassland, which is perfect for taking photographs during the day and evening! We have hosted wedding ceremonies in the gazebo and in inclement weather we offer the option of using the stage which has an outside mural painted on the walls.
Does the facility have air conditioning?
Yes.
Is parking readily available?
Yes, our facility provides ample FREE parking adjacent to the hall entrance with dedicated handicapped parking near the main entrance.
Do you have any restrictions in regards smoking or alcohol?
Our facility is a NON-Smoking facility. Smoking is permitted in our outdoor areas. Since we do not have a liquor license, you need to provide your own alcohol but we will provide the trained staff to serve your guests.
Are there any other events booked on the same day?
No!! Your event will be the only event scheduled and you will be provided with a dedicated, professionally trained and attired staff to attend to your guests. We only book one event per weekend due to the volunteer nature of our staff.
How many hours will I have for my event?
Typically, receptions/events are scheduled for 3-5 hours but this is your event and we will make adjustments where necessary but cannot exceed 5 hours.
Do I need to leave a deposit to secure my date? When is the balance due?
Yes, your security deposit ($250.00) and booking fee ($100.00) is due upon contract signing payable in cash or by check. The booking fee is applied to the cost of the event and the security deposit is returned, if there is no damage, within 14-days after the event. The balance is due 21 days prior to your event by cash or check. Unfortunately we do not accept credit cards.
Is your dance floor big enough to accommodate my guests?
Our James R. Mossie Banquet Facility provides a dance floor for your guest's dancing pleasure the size of the dance floor is dependent on your table layout.
Is there a place for my band or DJ to set up their equipment?
Yes. We have multiple locations for DJ's to use. The final location will depend upon the layout selected for the event.
If I want to hold a business training or luncheon can you accommodate this type of event?
Yes!! We can arrange seating at either round tables for small group interaction, classroom style long tables or just chairs for lectures/presentations. We have a large screen that will lower from the ceiling above the stage and an amplifier and microphone for the presenter. We also have open WiFi available for our guests. If food service is requested, we can provide light morning snacks and/or a lunch buffet.
Are there fixed layouts for events or do you allow customization of the layouts?
There are recommended table layouts based upon the type of event and the number of guests. Both 60” round tables and 30”x96” long tables are available along with sufficient chairs to accommodate your guests. Our event staff will assist you in selecting a functional layout for your event.
Do you provide cloth table covers and napkins, and are diversified colors available?
We obtain our linen from a service and we offer both table covers and napkins in a variety of colors. Linen is included with the inside catering package and available at cost for non-catered events.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICE
Do you offer full service catering or do I need to provide my own caterer?
We currently do not offer in-house catering but do have preferred caterers that meet our standards for food quality and diversified menus. You can also pick your own caterer, unfortunately, out-side caterers do not have access to our kitchen nor will they have any staging or preparation space. We request the name of any outside caterer you plan to use since just in case we have had issues with the selected caterer.
Is there a cake cutting fee?
Yes, there will be a small cake cutting fee of $50.00. We recommend wedding cakes be delivered by you or your baker no sooner than 2 hours prior to the start of the event. We will discuss with you if you wish the top tier of the cake to be boxed and set aside for you to take following the event. We will refrigerate the top tier after the cake cutting until your event has concluded.
Do you provide the alcohol/bar service?
We do not sell liquor but we will provide staff to serve any alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages the client provides.
Do you offer Ice Sculptures?
Our Executive Chef has won numerous awards for his Ice Sculptures and we would schedule a meeting to discuss options and costs for your specific request.