The South Church Memorial Garden
“The cemetery next to the church" is a memorable image in all of our minds. For centuries families have gathered at the community church to inter the final remains of those who have died in a place which will forever be a site of special memories.
The South Church Memorial Garden is nestled away on the church grounds in such a way as to provide a quietly beautiful meditative environment. It is the hope of The South Church community that persons will find great comfort and faith encouragement in visiting the Memorial Garden.
WHAT IS THE SOUTH CHURCH MEMORIAL GARDEN?
The Memorial Garden was developed as a place for depositing cremated remains in a manner that perpetuates the memory of the deceased. With the trend towards cremation, more churches are returning to the idea of the churchyard as a final resting place.
HOW WILL THE GARDEN BE MAINTAINED?
The church assumes responsibility for the maintenance and professional care of the garden, including removal and replacement, as needed, of shrubs, ground cover and grass. This is funded by the purchase of lots and from funds contributed for the benefit of the Memorial Garden. Contributions are welcome!
WHO MAY ACQUIRE LOTS IN THE MEMORIAL GARDEN?
Members of The South Church, their families, and friends of The South Church.
HOW ARE LOTS IN THE GARDEN ACQUIRED?
A lot in the Memorial Garden is acquired by purchasing through the Memorial Garden Committee. The lots are twelve-inch squares costing $500. This includes one interment, nameplate and perpetual maintenance. The plate is inscribed with the name of the deceased, year of birth and year of death. The Memorial Garden Committee will see that the plate is placed on the plaque in the proper space. When necessary, a temporary plate will be used until the permanent plate is ready.
HOW ARE LOTS SELECTED?
The church office has a detailed plan of the garden. Those wishing to purchase lots may choose from the lots available.
Click here for the full text of guidelines and procedures, or call the church office for further details.
A statue of Saint Francis resides in the center of The South Church Memorial Garden. Saint Francis of Assisi (Giovanni Francesco di Bernardone; 1181/1182 - October 3, 1226) was born in Assisi, Italy and is one of the most venerated religious figures in history. He founded the Franciscan Order and is considered the Catholic patron saint of animals and ecology. It has been argued that no one in history was as dedicated as Francis to imitate the life, and carry out the work, of Christ in Christ's own way.
John 14: 1-3
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.
