By tradition, a high priority of the Church has been to bury the faithfully departed in the sacred soil of the Church Yard. Not only does this provide comfort to those who mourn, but it is a lasting reminder of the assurance of eternal life and our communion with all the saints.

Since ground space is limited and upkeep of cemeteries is prohibitively expensive, many parishes are developing columbaria inside churches or gardens outside for the repose of ashes and as places of memorial.

The intention is to provide a secure garden setting which offers the feeling of intimacy, of continuity of loving care, and of assurance of hope.

Our Garden is located on the east lawn in front of the Parish Hall. It looks similar to the detail below.

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Twelve inch square slate stones designate burial sites in the arms and base of the cross section. The Garden has 296 sites. There may be two burials in each site. The burial container is to be biodegradable so that the earth may be used again after the Garden has been fully used. Scattering of ashes may take place on the ivy-covered berms.

A small bronze plaque which meets the specifications of the Committee may be Purchased. Plaques of those interred/scatted will be placed on the cairns in the center of the Garden. Plaques may also be placed in memory of persons buried in other places than the Garden. The plaques are to be placed on the low walls. Only one plaque is allowed per person.

Burial or scattering may take place directly after the service if cremation has taken place, or it may be scheduled at a convenient time. A preferable time is on Sunday after the service the person normally attended.

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A contribution of $250 is asked for burial/scattering. However, no parishioner will be refused burial because of the cost. A contribution of $150 is asked for those who wish to have a person "in memoriam" who was buried elsewhere. The contribution is placed in the Endowment Fund, which is dedicated to maintenance of the church building and garden. The plaque is the expense of the family at prevailing costs. Presently, the cost is $50. Also, there is a verger's fee for preparing the burial site of $25.

Sites may be reserved. Strict, permanent records are kept of all reservations and burials/scatterings/plaques.

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Cremation is one acceptable way of taking care of our earthly remains and is consistent with Christian beliefs. We are well aware through Scripture that we are dust and to dust we shall return. Cremation is one method of returning our remains to the elements. The fire is the fire of purification as an assayer’s fire is to gold. Cremation allows our earthly remains to return to their original state more quickly with dignity and reverence.

Some have had concern about our belief in the resurrection of the body. The body that is raised at death is not the resurrection of flesh and blood. St. Paul in his Fist Letter to the Corinthians at Chapter 15 is very clear. The earthly body is a sacred vessel which carries the essence of the person God created. At death, the earthly shell remains and the rest of the person is raised. The earthly body is to be treated with reverence, but not as an object of divinity. As one person has said, "In the final analysis there is no one-and-only Christian way of disposing of earthly remains. Whichever method seems to you to be fitting and appropriate is as ‘Christian’ as the other."

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A committee was formed by the Vestry in February 1990 to explore the possibility of a Memorial Garden for the repose of ashes and remembrance of departed persons buried elsewhere. Upon making recommendations to the Vestry, the memorial Garden Committee was commissioned to further develop plans.

Architect: Curt Flannery

Contractor: Ray Black & Son

The Garden was dedicated on Easter Day, April 19, 1992.

The Memorial Garden is governed by the Vestry. The Vestry has created a Memorial Garden Trust Fund which is used to maintain the Garden to the highest standards.

The intention of the Vestry and Committee goes far beyond just that of establishing a garden. Their prime concern is to provide loving care at time of death.

The ministry seeks to:

• Offer education programs on the Christian view of death and dying.

• Help people to be more aware of the pastoral care of the Church at time of death.

• Assist individuals and families in making arrangements for funeral and burial--either at prior to death or at the time of death.

• Provide the Memorial Garden as a final resting place for cremains or as a place  of  remembrance for departed persons buried elsewhere.