Columbarium

As you walk down the hallway toward the east entrance of our church, have you noticed the lovely garden on your left? Have you wondered about the sandstone slabs on the north side of the garden? What is the purpose of the curved wall in the center of the garden? This area is called the Columbarium for First Church. Columbarium is derived from the Latin word Columba which means dove and the Columbarium is a symbolic resting place for doves. The use of columbarium was widespread during the early Roman Empire, and human cremation was also standard practice. Our Columbarium is a resting place for cremains and area for remembrance. The curved wall is one of the places in the garden for remembering loved ones with a special place for cremains. The three sandstone slabs are etched with the names of loved ones who have left us. And in the southwest corner of the garden is an area called David’s Garden. The Columbarium is meant for anyone that needs a serene, peaceful, sheltered environment for prayer, meditation and reflection.

Our Columbarium has 350 niches. Each niche can house two urns. The size of the niche is approximately 11 inches deep by 6.5 inches wide by 7.25 inches high. A recommended urn size is 5.5 x 5.5 x 7 inches to be able to accommodate 2 urns. As of July 1, 2024, bronze metal urns are provided with a niche purchase.

If you have been considering reserving your place in the Columbarium, drop by the east hallway and pick up a brochure or click the button below to download a copy. If you have any questions, please email Stephanie Lane here.