A resting place in the journey of life everlasting
Owning your niche | ||
8” x 8” Niche | $1,800 single | $2,200 companion |
12” x 12” Niche | $2,200 single | $2,600 companion |
Contact the church office or a member of the committee: Tom Weston, Paul Carlson, Chris Richardson, Tim Dickey, Mark Knutson and Rocky Perrott
A columbarium is a set of memorial niches in a wall or similar structure. An urn or box with a loved ones cremated ashes are placed into a niche in the wall, sealed, and covered with a plate that is engraved with the person’s name and dates.
Our church is building a Memorial Garden with Columbariums because members have recognized a need for peaceful, church-based final resting place for their loved ones. The Columbarium project is a grassroots effort – it is a member-based initiative that has won the support and appreciation of the council.
Cremation is becoming a more common way to treat the death of a loved one. According to 2012 statistics, cremation was the preferred option in Washington for almost three out of every four deaths.
Cremation is also more environmentally friendly than burial. Placing the remains in a columbarium niche requires much less space than a cemetery plot, and can be much less expensive than a traditional coffin/cemetery plot burial.
Gloria Dei members, their families, and other persons determined to be eligible by the Columbarium Committee of the church.
The actual date of construction will depend upon niche sales and raising of funds, but construction is anticipated to occur in 2016.
The Columbarium and the Memorial Garden will follow the design and style of our beautiful sanctuary. Careful care has been devoted to creating a peaceful and dignified space, and the architect is a member of Gloria Dei. (Please see the architectural renderings for a fuller understanding of the Columbarium’s design.)
Regarding niche location, you may choose any niche that is not already sold or reserved by deposit.
If you select an 8″x8″ niche, the cost is $1,800 for a single or $2,2oo for a companion purchase. If you select a 12″x12″ niche, the cost is $2,200 for a single, or $2,600 for a companion purchase. The engraving and inurnment service is included with these niche costs, but cremation, urns, and memorial/funeral service costs are the responsibility of the family.
You do not need to pay the full amount at one time. You may make payments according to a multi-year schedule, but use of a niche requires payment in full prior to inurnment.
No, the Church Council and its designated Columbarium Committee will be responsible for operating and maintaining the Columbarium.
No, purchasing a columbarium niche is purchasing the right to use the space for yourself or your loved one. A niche purchaser will have no interest in the property, real or otherwise, of Gloria Dei.
All monies, in any form, received by the church or the Columbarium Committee (through niche sales, gifts, donations, or other sources) that are designated for the Memorial Garden and Columbarium will be used for the construction, operation, maintenance and enhancement of the Columbarium. In later years after all the initial work and enhancements are completed, there may be a small surplus that could go to the Church general fund.
The Church Council (subject to the laws of Washington) exercises ultimate authority over the Columbarium. The Council will appoint a Columbarium Committee to act as the manager and arbiter of the Columbarium. Additionally, very detailed policies and procedures governing the Columbarium have been prepared to ensure that its management and oversight is responsible, thoughtful, and respectful.