THE VISION
For years members of our church have envisioned a Columbarium on our church property. A committee engaged in two years of study and exploration before recommending that the first phase be located in the Prayer Room, the former Stone Street entrance into the Sanctuary. This quiet, peaceful area will be open and accessible for prayer, meditation, visitation and remembrance whenever the church building is open.
 WHAT IS A COLUMBARIUM?
Simply described, a Columbarium is a wall of niches for urns that contain the cremated ashes of members of the faithful community of the church. Interment within the church grounds provides a link visible to us in this life between deceased Christians and their church community, enabling family and friends to pay respects and refresh remembrances frequently as a part of regular worship.
WHY A COLUMBARIUM?
First and most important: We believe that interment on church grounds is not only a statement of our faith in the resurrection, the life everlasting and the church triumphant, but also an appropriate last resting place for the earthly remains of those who in this life love the church. In many ways, a Columbarium is an updated version of the old-time rural church cemetery. A Columbarium, whether on the church grounds or within the church building, provides a quiet place for times of remembrance, meditation and prayer.
THE COLUMBARIUM PLAN
The Columbarium at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church is located to the left upon entering the Sanctuary. As one enters the room one is impressed by the magnificent stained glass window portraying Christ the King flanked by figures of Saint Peter and Saint Paul with an explosive nimbus above reminding one of Jesus' words, "I am the resurrection and the life."
Within the alcoves on either side of the window are niches for interment of ashes of deceased members. Each of the 120 niches will be marked with a cast bronze plate with the name and date of birth of the person whose ashes are inurned.
On the right wall immediately upon entering are the Memorial Tablets which will hold 232 bronze plates cast with the names and dates of eligible persons who are buried elsewhere. ELIGIBILITY
Members and former members of Hayes Barton Church, spouses and their children, step-children, parents, step-parents and grandparents of members, current and past ministers of this church, their spouses, children or step-children are eligible for inurnment of for bronze plates on the Memorial Wall. Upon written request and approval by the Senior Pastor and Columbarium Committee, other persons with special ties to the Church may be made eligible for inurnment.
BENEFITS
A niche in the Columbarium is modestly priced, aesthetically satisfying and ecologically sound. An atmosphere of reverence and tranquility creates a comfortable setting for meditation and prayer as well as a peaceful gathering place for families and friends.
MEMORIAL BOOKS
With awareness that niche covers and bronze plates carry only the names and dates of birth and death with no acknowledgement of status or accomplishment, Memorial Books will be established to provide such information. These books will be readily accessible to members of the Church. If desired, persons or families with relatives or loved ones with niches or name plates may submit one page of biographical information, including a photograph, for inclusion in the Memorial Books.
FOR INFORMATION
Call the Business Administrator at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church - (919) 832-6435 |
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