Historically, Christians have cherished the ability to place the deceased within a church structure or in a nearby churchyard. Cremation is recognized as a dignified and theologically sound option for Christians. Church of the Lakes has created a Columbarium where the cremains of its members and their immediate relatives may be kept as part of the Church structure. The Columbarium is a special place inside the Prayer Chapel, off the Sanctuary, a resting place of memories and reflection.
What is a Columbarium?
A Columbarium is an assembly of niches designed to house a deceased person’s cremated remains. Our Columbarium features double niches, with spaces for two sets of cremains, one behind the other. The ashes of the deceased will be placed in a container, which will, in turn, be placed in one of the niches. The exterior of the niches is marble with a bronze plaque where the name and years of birth and death of the deceased will be inscribed.
Purchase of Columbarium Niche
Each double niche is available for purchase by a member of this church. The privilege of inurnment may be secured by a contribution of $1,150 ($800 to reserve a niche, and a $350 one-time inurnment fee to be paid when the niche is used the first time). In order to make the purchase a little more manageable for our church members and to encourage people to plan ahead, we have formulated an interest-free payment plan. An initial contribution of $200 per niche is required, followed by 12 monthly payments of $50 each. These payments should be made in the Church Office, and not put in the offering basket. Once the contribution of $800 has been received, a Certificate of Purchase will be issued. The remaining $350 may be paid at that time, or at the time of inurnment.
Click here for more Frequently Asked Questions about the Columbarium.
If you have further questions or would like to reserve your niche please contact Diana in the Church Office or Ken Spangler, Chair of the Columbarium Committee, 330-499-8972.