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Columbarium Construction Begins by The Rev. Hartshorn Murphy Editor's Note: As we go to press, construction begins on the St. Augustine's Columbarium, located along the wall behind the main altar and under the Flame Window. Construction should be completed by the end of the year. The following article seeks to answer the most commonly asked questions… What is a Columbarium? "Columbarium" (plural: columbaria) comes from the Latin and means literally: "dovecote." It originally described column structures which housed doves and other birds in small niches. Over time, people began to use these niches for storing the cremated remains of loved ones in decorative urns, containers. Modern Columbaria are consecrated, sacred spaces, oftentimes within sanctuaries, which provide a secure, dignified memorial for those who have completed the journey of life. Why an interment ("inurnment") and Columbarium at St. Augustine's? During our lifetime, the Church has given us new life at our baptism; it has nurtured us in word, sacrament and fellowship and has been our spiritual home; hence, it is an appropriate resting place for our remains. In a tangible way, the Columbarium dramatically symbolizes the communion of the saints, living and dead, in worship. In today's world, the Columbarium is a modern version of traditional burial in the church graveyard. In addition to these spiritual reasons, cremation and inurnment in the St. Augustine's Columbarium provides a very cost effective and responsible alternative to in ground interment. Who can be inurned here? Inurnment is a privilege extended to current and former members of St. Augustine's and members of their family (spouse, partner, parent, child, grandchild and immediate in-laws). Would there be a funeral or committal service? Yes, traditional services will continue as usual in the church sanctuary, chapel or elsewhere and include the Committal Service in the Columbarium at the conclusion of the service. Alternatively, the Committal Service can be done as a separate service (see page 484 and 501 in the Book of Common Prayer). Will the niches be marked? Each niche will provide the person's name and year of birth and death. These will be engraved in a uniform size and font on the face of each granite niche cover. Would I be able to choose a particular niche? Yes, niches are offered on a priority, first come-first served basis. Purchasers will receive a "deed" specifying the size and location of their space. The church will reserve some standard niches for discretionary use. May I sell my niche? Niches can not be sold. However, should your plans change or your family wishes to make other arrangements at the time of your death, niches may be returned to the church for resale and a refund given. Specific regulations and restrictions regarding this option will be found in your Columbarium purchase documents. What about care, permanency and liability? The Columbarium is perpetually managed by a standing committee comprised of a vestry member, member of the finance committee, altar guild member, parish administrator and the rector. A permanent endowment of revenues collected, after the development costs are paid, has been established to ensure lasting care and preservation. Should the church, at some future date, no longer be at this location, a suitable relocation will be established at no cost to the descendants. How much do the niches cost? Niches come in two sizes, small and large. The small or standard niche costs $2,500 and can accommodate two standard urns. (A standard urn is 6" x 8" x 4".)* One name engraving is included in the cost; additional name and date for a second inurnment is $100. Large niches are priced at $3,000 and can accommodate up to 4 standard urns. Two engravings are included in the purchase price. Additional names and dates are priced at $100 each. In this initial offering for 2004, standard niches will be sold at $2,000 and large ones at $2,500, a savings of $500 from the published prices. These discount prices will be in effect until Jan. 1, 2005. Payment plans are available. The payment term is one year from the date of reservation and down payment. *standard urns are those provided by mortuaries. Decorative urns come in a variety of sizes and shapes and may affect columbarium placement options. These need to be chosen in consultation with the church. Is the niche cost tax deductible? Please consult with your tax preparer for advice in this area. Are there valid theological objections to cremation? No. In I Corinthians 15:35, St. Paul writes: "There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies; and the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one thing, the splendor of the earthly, another. So it is with the resurrection of the dead, what is sown in the earth as a perishable thing is raised imperishable. It is raised as a spiritual body." Those who object to cremation take a too literal reading of the Apostles Creed which proclaims "I believe in the…resurrection of the body and the life everlasting." The Nicene Creed simply says: "We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come." Our Catechism says:
Objection to cremation, in the end, is more an aesthetic issue rather than a theological one. What's the next step? Those interested in purchasing one or more columbarium niches are asked to call the church office for a personal and confidential consultation.
Copyright © 2004 St. Augustine by-the-Sea
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