Dedicated October 17, 1985
What is the Garden of Remembrance?
Through the centuries a burial place has often been provided next to the church where remains of the deceased rest beside their spiritual home on earth.
The Garden of Remembrance, established in 1985 by the First Congregational Church, provides a place for the ash remains of those who have been members of this church and their families, and for those who have had a caring interest in the church.
The Garden is available to all who feel a closeness to the church and its ministry and is a place for quiet meditation and renewal.
Interments
Arrangements for interment may be made through the church office and the Garden Board. The interment fee of $400.00 covers :
1) A brass name plate including birth date and date of death.
2) Custodial fees
3) Perpetual care
Persons are encouraged to make plans in advance. Forms are available in the church office.
A prayer service will be conducted under the supervision of a minister of the First Congregational Church. The family may help plan the service if desired.
Ashes will be placed directly in the soil. There will be a numerical marker placed at each site and the church will keep records of where ashes are interred.
Please Note: There are additional gratuities for the minister, organist and any reception costs.
Memorials
A Memorial Plaque in memory of loved ones “interred elsewhere but remembered here” is located on the exterior patio wall. The cost for this memorial is $200.00.
Memorials and special gifts are welcome. Other options for financial assistance are also possible.
Any memorial donations directed to this board will be used at their full discretion.
No names will be affixed on any item placed in the garden with the exception of the memorial rocks where only the deceased interred there are listed.
Continual Support
The Garden of Remembrance is an ongoing project which requires dedicated commitment from the congregation. This commitment requires time spent not just bent in prayer but on our knees working the soil. Maintaining such a project also requires continuing financial support for perpetual care.
Your help in the Garden of Remembrance is always welcome and appreciated. For further guidance call the church office at 231.947.6698.
