WHAT IS A COLUMBARIUM?
The concept of residing on consecrated church property is an old one, dating from the very beginnings of Christianity. The word columbarium is derived from the Latin word columba meaning “dovecote.” A “dovecote” is a compartmented structure that is a home to doves; a symbol we use to represent God’s spirit and peace. In today’s modern adaptation, a columbarium is a place for the respectful and sacred storage of cremated remains. It is a permanent structure comprised of small compartments, or niches, with each niche designed to hold two urns.
The Columbarium at Custer Road UMC provides the opportunity for the deceased to reside where they worshipped and enables surviving family members and friends to pay their respects. Choosing the Columbarium at Custer Road UMC provides your family the opportunity for a memorial service, inurnment and reception all in one place. It also removes many of the decisions associated with a traditional funeral, alleviating some financial stresses in an already difficult time of grief.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
- Where is the Columbarium located? The Custer Road UMC Columbarium is located on the exterior wall on the north side of the sanctuary with beautiful granite niches. The sacred space includes a soothing fountain and cross sculpture.
- Why should I choose to be laid to rest in a columbarium over a traditional funeral? Perhaps the most comforting reason for choosing a columbarium is the idea of being peacefully laid to rest in your church home – or a place that is familiar to you and/or your loved ones. In addition, the cost of a columbarium niche and cremation are typically less than half the cost of a casket, burial site and marker.
- Who can purchase a niche within the Custer Road UMC Columbarium? Our Columbarium is open to church members (both present and past) and their family members, clergy (both present and past), as well as friends within the community of Custer Road UMC.
- How much does a niche cost and what is included? The price per niche is $4,500. Payment for each niche includes inurnment, two urns, and name plate engraving for each loved one.
- How do I purchase a niche? To purchase a niche, you must complete a Subscriber Agreement for Inurnment Rights; then pay for the niche in full before a certificate of ownership can be issued. To speak with someone regarding purchasing a niche, please contact Rev. Jack Wallace.
- Does the cost of the niche also include cremation? Custer Road UMC does not provide crematory services. However, we are happy to provide you with a list of companies that can perform this service.
- What can be engraved on the nameplate on the niche? Each niche will have a nameplate with the deceased names and dates of birth and death.
- Are the same services that are provided for a funeral also provided for a memorial service with inurnment into the Columbarium? Yes. We provide a full memorial service with the Columbarium inurnment and upon request, we can coordinate a reception at Custer Road UMC. This helps ease the stress of this difficult time for the family and prevents guests from having to travel to additional locations.
- When can loved ones visit the Columbarium? Our Columbarium gates will be open Sunday through Friday, generally from 9 am until dusk. If access is needed outside this time, arrangements may be possible. You can contact the church office at 972-618-3450 during normal business hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 am- 4:30 pm and Friday 9 am- noon.