Memorial Gardens

In the past, churches have been a place to find the traditional cemetery. Now, we are entering a time of green funerals, green cemeteries, and just green burial. These eco-funerals are changing how people decide to handle their earthly remains after death. So today, you find churches adding memorial gardens for spreading of ashes and the interment of urns. These urns may be biodegradable urns or metal urns. This article shows how a couple; Steve and Jan Cornwell, worked to add a memorial garden to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Boulder. The church expects to add a columbarium later.

Get together with the other members of your church who are interested in green burials and who would like to have their ashes spread there on the church property. The work in building the garden is a good summer project for those willing to give of their time. The church can collect a donation from each member in exchange for an engraved brick, bench or other remembrance items in the garden. Members can buy trees or other plants they can reserve to have their ashes buried beneath when the time is ready for them. Have the pastor bless the garden and the members are all set for a final resting place near their church family

There are many possibilities for a memorial garden design. A wall containing a Bible verse with a stone ring around it is a perfect place to spread your ashes. The memorial garden can also double as a prayer garden. If this appeals to you, start a formal discussion with your church elders. We are sure you will come up with a really great place to memorialize the members of your congregation.