Ministries

Memorial Columbarium

The Church speaks to us and ministers to us in special ways to all of the significant turning points in our lives. At birth, baptism, marriage, in sickness and crisis, the church seeks to be present with its people. It is a sacred responsibility of the church to minister to its people at the last significant point in the cycle of life here on earth. It is with that responsibility in mind that the congregation at First Presbyterian established a columbarium.

The Tradition

Although church-yard cemeteries were traditional parts of churches in both Europe and rural America, few today have the space to have such resting grounds. However, the wider practice of cremation has moved many churches, including our own, to set aside special places for the remains of its members who wish to be interred here.

The Columbarium at First Presbyterian Church

The Columbarium at First Presbyterian Church is located in the tree shaded courtyard garden by the fountain. The congregation gathers nearby to visit one another after summer services. Great care was used during the design and construction to protect the beauty of the courtyard as well as to provide a restful spot in the heart of the church community.

Within the specially constructed wall of the columbarium there are 116 niches. Each niche will hold one canister. Each niche will have an engraved brass plate with the name of the person inurned there, as well as dates of birth and death.

The Arrangements

The columbarium at First Presbyterian is operated and maintained by the Board of Trustees of the church. It is available only for First Presbyterian members and their families. It complies with all state and local regulations that govern such facilities. Arrangements can be made in advance to reserve niches in the columbarium. Such arrangements are encouraged as there are a limited number of niches

Great care has been taken to ensure that the fees are reasonable. Specific information about fees, reserving spaces, and other important details are available from the church office.