|
The term columbarium
is derived from the Latin columba or dovecote, the
dove being a symbol of God’s spiritual peace. Dovecote is
a term originally used to describe the spaces or niches
in stone walls or rocks where doves and pigeons created their
nesting spots.
For
centuries, Christians have created columbariums, consisting of
niches to receive the inurned remains of their loved ones.
Likewise, it has long been the practice to place the remains of
their loved ones near their sanctuaries of worship.
In keeping
with this tradition, Hope Church’s Columbarium offers a final
resting place for the cremated remains of our members and their
extended families.
The Carolyn and Irving Wheeler Columbarium Garden was
dedicated in March 2008 in the Gardens of Hope. This
beautiful courtyard of walled niches provides a sacred inurnment
area located next to Hope’s Sanctuary. The Columbarium and
surrounding gardens offer a peaceful and sacred environment for
the reverent memories of loved ones.
Individuals and families are welcome to reserve a niche or niches,
as part of their plans for future needs. The information
below outlines in general the policies for reservation of niches.
We welcome inquires and questions. Please call Paul
Thompson, 863-326-9555 for further information.
Who is
eligible?
Eligibility for inurnment in the Columbarium will be determined
in accordance with Church policy and is limited to the Hope
Presbyterian Church members and affiliates, including their
extended families.
What are the rules?
-
No cremated remains may be inured in the Columbarium
without a committal service. Services
may be held in the Church Sanctuary, the Gardens of Hope, or
elsewhere.
-
The Columbarium will be accessible to visitors at
all times when the Church is open to the public or on special
occasions.
-
Flowers and mementos will be allowed only in
the designated areas of the Columbarium and will be removed by
Church personnel when appropriate.
How much does it cost?
Ashes may be
scattered or buried in designated areas of the Gardens of Hope
without any charge. The current fees for the Columbarium for
Church members and affiliates, including their extended families,
is as follows:
- Single niches are $1500.
- Niches in the lower row or those assigned by the Church are
$1000.
- Engraving on niche name plates will be provided by
the Church at no additional cost. The engraving is limited to the
departed’s name, year of birth, and year of death.
The amount consists of the actual cost plus a donation to the
Church. The donation covers perpetual care and maintenance
of the Columbarium and is eligible for tax benefits. (Review
current IRS pamphlet 526.)
What else do I need to know?
- Only cremated remains in appropriate containers may
be placed inside the Columbarium niches. A container for the
remains is included with the purchase of a niche.
Substitute containers must fit into a niche space that is 6 inches
in diameter and 8-5/8 inches in depth. All substitute containers must be approved by the Church.
- Legal title to the Columbarium niches remains with
Hope Presbyterian Church. Hope
Church reserves the right to enlarge, remodel, or relocate the
Columbarium within its campus.
- Hope Church families wishing their remains deposited
in a niche must first complete a Niche Reservation Application and
indicate their preference of niche location.
- The Columbarium Committee will review each
application and notify the applicant of niche space availability.
Upon notification of acceptance and receipt of payment,
a Certificate of Reservation will be issued, together with a copy
of the policies and regulations governing the use and management of the Columbarium.
Click
here for an application, or pick one up from the brochure table in the Narthex
or from the
Church Office. For more information, you may contact Paul Thompson at (863) 326-9555.
|
