The Columbarium and Bell Tower

Church Burial: An Ancient Heritage
There is a large and understandable measure of comfort to be drawn from the ancient and traditional practice of burial within the confines of the churchyard. From ancient times, the churchyard has included spaces within its peaceful, hallowed grounds for single crypts and family tombs, or memorials to those buried elsewhere.

The Grace Church Columbarium
Here families baptize and teach the next generation, surrounded by the memorials to those who have died. The existence of a burial area symbolizes the union of the Church, past, present, and expectant.

The practice of churchyard burial has been abandoned in modern times and in parishes pressed for land. At Grace Church, this practice was restored with the construction of a columbarium within the Garden of Remembrance. The columbarium is available to any baptized Christian.

The columbarium is constructed of reinforced concrete in the Gothic Revival style to complement the existing church. The ground floor level of the structure contains approximately 900 niches, each of which can hold the remains of two people or may memorialize two people. Each niche is 12 by 12 inches and is faced with a plaque of grey Georgia granite which can be engraved with a family name, two Christian names, and two birth and death dates.

Niches are located on both the interior and exterior walls of the columbarium. The front of the structure is a glass wall set in English Perpendicular tracery. Passersby are able to see the granite plaques. Also, funeral congregations gathered in the garden can visually take part in the interment service.

A ring of antique bells was placed in the Bell Tower of the Columbarium. The bells are rung to the glory of God on Sundays, and for weddings and funerals upon request. More information about the Tower Bells can be found HERE.

Individual and Family Provisions
Each 12-by-12-inch niche can accommodate two 6-by-6-inch urns, or one large urn. No restrictions are placed on urns except that they must fit within the niches. Families may purchase adjoining niches as available. Each niche is faced with a plaque of grey Georgia granite.

Cost of Interment
The cost of a niche is $2,400. The niche shall become the personal property of the purchaser. Sale or transfer of niches must be approved by the Vestry. Grace Church members may purchase niches over a two-year period with no finance charges. Payments made in full in advance will be greatly appreciated. There is a cost for opening and closing a niche for interment for those who are not members of Grace Church. Engraving costs are additional and will be based on current rates at the time of interment.

For further information or to see a copy of the complete rules for the columbarium, please call the church office (723-4575) and ask to speak to a member of the Columbarium Committee.