Columbarium FAQs

What are the benefits of a Columbarium?

Spiritual Site for Final Resting - A Columbarium affords church members and their families is the opportunity to select their final resting place near church which has been central to their lives, a sacred site of beauty and dignity where their loved ones can visit and meditate at any time they visit the church.

Simplicity of Planning - The purchase of a Columbarium niche eliminates the pressures of choosing a burial site, casket, vault and monument; also, there is no need to plan for inurnment and memorial services at different locations and times.

Substantial Financial Savings - With the Columbarium, significant costs are limited to cremation, the niche and the obituary.

How many niches are in the Columbarium?

The first phase of the Columbarium will contain 80 niches, each with the capacity to hold two urns. As demand increases, additional niches may be added in the future.

How much does a niche cost?

Each niche, holding up to two urns, costs $3,500. This cost includes a granite front plaque and it’s perpetual care. The cost does not include engraving or the cost of cremation.

How much does cremation and engraving cost?

Prices vary widely, but there are reputable funeral homes and crematoriums in our area which offer cremations for approximately $1,000 or less. Engraving the front plate of the niche will be an additional cost and dependent on market prices.

How do I purchase a niche?

You may request a packet of information & policies from the Columbarium Committee or the church office. A Columbarium Agreement Form is available in the packet. You can also use this website to purchase a niche online or donate to the Memory Garden fund.

Who may use the Columbarium?

Inurnment is limited to the cremains of any current or past member of Faith Lutheran Church as well as members of their family. Any exceptions will be determined by the Columbarium Committee.

How is this ministry paid for?

The Columbarium and Memory Garden are entirely self-funded through the sale of niches and donations for landscaping. It is expected that funds in excess of construction costs may be generated by sales of niches. These funds will be used for the operation of the Columbarium and Memory Garden landscaping and perpetual care.

Can I give to the Memory Garden Fund?

Yes! Anyone is welcome to give a donation to the Memory Garden if there is no interest in purchasing a niche. These funds will be used for the initial landscaping renovation project and future care of the garden.

Who administers the Columbarium?

Members of the Columbarium Committee are appointed by the Church Council and oversee operation of the columbarium.