There seems to be no more fitting place as the final resting place of a Christian than at his or her church. The concept of residing on consecrated church property is an old one, dating from the very beginnings of Christianity and is sound for both theological and practical reasons. The Columbarium at Custer Road United Methodist Church is just that, a place of tranquility and reverence where individuals can visit loved ones to celebrate their lives and prayerfully meditate.
WHAT IS A COLUMBARIUM?
The word columbarium is derived from the Latin word columba meaning “dove” and the word itself refers to the dovecote- a home for doves. The dove is a symbol we use to represent God’s spirit and peace and in today’s modern adaptation, it is fitting that 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.
As cremation becomes a more popular option, the Custer Road UMC Columbarium provides the opportunity for the deceased to reside where they worshipped and enables surviving family members, friends and fellow worshippers 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:
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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.
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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) and their family members as well as friends within the community of Custer Road UMC. All Subscriber Agreements for Inurnment Rights must be approved by the Custer Road UMC Columbarium Committee.
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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.
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How do I reserve my Columbarium niche?
To reserve a niche in the Custer Road UMC Columbarium, you must fill out a Subscriber Agreement for Inurnment Rights and pay for the niche in full. Once approved by the Columbarium Committee and full payment is received, a certificate of niche ownership will be issued to you.
- Can I select the location of my niche?
Yes, you may select the desired niche based on availability. If your family would like niches located next to each other, multiple niches should be purchased at the same time.
- Can I transfer my niche to someone else once a certificate of ownership has been issued?
Transfers are assessed on a case by case basis by the Columbarium Committee. All requests must be made in writing and do not guarantee that a transfer will be made. If a transfer is granted, a fee (determined by the Columbarium Committee) must be paid in full and a new Subscriber Agreement for Inurnment Rights must be completed and approved by all parties. Once this process is complete, a new certificate of ownership will be issued and the transfer will be complete.
- 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.
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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.
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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 inurnment in the Columbarium. If you would like a reception in The Commons following the service, we can provide light refreshments for a nominal fee. This helps ease the stress of this difficult time for the family and prevents guests from having to travel to additional locations.
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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.