The Columbarium at Emmanuel
Emmanuel Church constructed the beautiful Columbarium in the Narthex (lobby) of the church for the comfort, peace, support and witness this facility provides for God’s people. The concept of interment in a consecrated church property is an old one, dating from the very beginning of Christianity and is sound for both theological and practical reasons.
For many, the church is a spiritual home on earth, the place where siblings in Christ meet to worship God and share in loving and supportive community. Through baptism, God’s beloved become members of the Body of Christ and, ultimately, through Christ’s resurrection, enter life eternal. Along with the prayers and remembrances of their congregation, interment in church property is a fitting resting place and a recognition of belief in the communion of saints, both living and dead, and a bold witness to faith in the resurrection to eternal life.
Church interment provides a permanent link between the deceased and this place of ongoing community and worship. Additionally, surviving family, friends, and fellow worshippers are afforded opportunities for ongoing devotions and respects during regular church visits and worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Columbarium?
The word ‘columbarium’ is derived from ‘columba’, the Latin for dovecote, a compartmented house where doves, the symbol of both God’s Holy Spirit and of Peace, come to roost. In modern terms, a columbarium is a consecrated structure used for the inurnment of the deceased’s ashes after cremation.
Who may be inurned in Emmanuel’s Columbarium?
The Columbarium serves as an appropriate place for earthly remains of any member or former member of the parish, clergy who have served the parish, employees and former employees of the parish, and spouses, children, and grandchildren of the above.
Who administers the Columbarium?
The Columbarium is part of Emmanuel Episcopal Church and functions under the authority of its Rector and Vestry.
How much does a niche cost?
Each niche, holding up to two urns, costs $1600. There is an additional fee of $500 for re-opening the niche, if necessary, for the second inurnment. These fees do not cover the cost of cremation which should be arranged through a licensed funeral professional.
Is there a provision for those who cannot afford the cost of a niche?
The Rector of Emmanuel Church has the authority to discreetly excuse part or all of the payment for a niche for anyone otherwise eligible. In these cases, the niche can be selected without prejudice from any of the available niches.
How can I arrange to purchase a niche?
Via the button below, please download a Columbarium Packet. (If you prefer to receive a hard copy of these documents, please contact the church office at (410) 685-1130.) The packet contains detailed information and all the forms you will need to apply to purchase a niche in Emmanuel’s Columbarium. Please supply all necessary information in ink and return to the church in hard copy either by mail or in person. After the completed paperwork is returned with full payment, you will be contacted by the Operations Manager to finalize your niche selection. Upon final acceptance of the application, a certificate covering inurnment ownership rights will be sent to the purchaser and should be retained with other documents related to one’s estate.
May I select the niche I want?
The Columbarium at Emmanuel holds 84 niches. As demand dictates, additional niches may be added in the future. Niche assignments are allocated to best meet the desires of each applicant on a first-come, first-served basis, determined by the date of receipt of a fully completed and paid application.