he Columbarium Memorial Garden of River Road Church, Baptist provides a beautiful and peaceful setting for prayer and the remembrance of loved ones. Located near the Chapel, the Garden was dedicated on Palm Sunday of 1997 to receive ashes from cremation and is available to members of River Road Church and their families.

Background

The churchyard has been a traditional burial place throughout centuries of Christian history in England, Europe and the eastern United States. Only recently has Western Society set aside separate areas for burial, isolated and distant from the churches where the faithful worship, celebrate together, and comfort each other in times of sorrow.

While space requirements preclude burial in our churchyard, the Columbarium Memorial Garden does provide for the interment of ashes. This hallowed place offers River Road families an option for burial on the grounds where generations of families have gathered and will continue to come together to worship, to praise, and to remember.

Burial of Ashes

Ashes from cremation may be placed in urns within the niches of the Columbarium, or they may be buried directly in the ground in the grassy area of the Garden. Plaques are mounted on the niches to commemorate those buried within. Plaques mounted on the Chapel wall in the Garden commemorate those whose ashes are buried in the ground. In addition, a detailed Book of Remembrance is on view in the church.

Ministerial Assistance

Prior planning for the disposition of one's own remains after death, as well as for the memorial service, can contribute greatly to the well-being of the family in a time of emotional stress. Any member of our ministerial staff will be glad to assist church members in pre-planning for memorial services. If cremation is desired, arrangement in advance for space in the Garden can lift the burden of decision from family members grieving the loss of a loved one.

Administration

A six-member committee is elected by the church membership to oversee the general care and development of the facility. Day-to-day operational matters are handled by the church staff, pursuant to rules and regulations adopted by the church.

Who May Use the Columbarium Memorial Garden

The Garden is reserved for members of River Road Church and their immediate families. Immediate family is defined as the spouse, parents, children, stepchildren, and grandchildren of River Road members, and also the spouse of anyone who is eligible for interment.

Financial Arrangements

A license fee is paid at the time of completion of an application for a niche. An interment fee is then paid at the time of interment. License fees are $1,000 for a niche that will accommodate up to two urns and $2,000 for a niche that accommodates four urns. No license fee is required for in-ground interment of ashes. The interment fee for either placement of an urn or burial of ashes is $400 for each interment. The only other charge is for engraving the plaque with the name of the deceased. Copies of the rules and regulations governing the Garden and the license agreement are available from the church office.

To Request Information

To receive additional information about the Columbarium Memorial Garden, please contact the church office. A member of the church staff will be glad to answer your questions and to see that you receive any further information you require.