What's a Columbarium?

A columbarium is a space where remains may be placed after cremation. The First Presbyterian Columbarium is located in an enclosed area adjacent to the Sanctuary.

Who may be interred in the columbarium?

The following persons will be eligible to have their ashes placed in the columbarium:

all present and former members of the First Presbyterian Church of Niles, Michigan, spouses and immediate family. Special circumstances will be considered by the Columbarium Committee, Session, and the Minister. Only two containers may be placed in each niche. Two unrelated people may occupy the same niche. A single container may be placed in a niche with another single container at the need and discretion of the Session.

What are the financial requirements?

The payment is $600 per niche. Each niche is designed for two containers of ashes. A single, or half, niche can be purchased for $400. Payment must be made in full with application in order to inter any ashes or containers. There will be no assessments or future charges after the purchase price has been paid.

What is the intended usage of the columbarium other than the safe keeping of cremains?

The columbarium may be used for the service of internment at the time of death, either before a memorial service or directly after the memorial service. This room will be considered to be as sacred as a cemetery.

What kind of container is required?

Any durable container provided by the family is acceptable. All containers must have the decedent's name permanently affixed to the container. However, the container may not exceed the dimensions of 12 inches high by 8 1/4 inches by 8 inches deep. This is the maximum size for a niche to hold two containers. Each niche will be designated with an engraved plaque which will tell the name of the deceased as well as the year of birth and the year of death. There will be no titles or designs on the plaque.

Are the spaces transferable?

If for some reason the family does not make use of the niche, it must revert to the church for reassignment. Under the circumstances a refund of the deposit will be allowed after review by the Session. Niche space may not be transferred by a purchaser to another person.

Can a container be removed?

A container may be removed from the columbarium by written consent between the church and the next of kin. If a container(s) are permanently removed for a period of longer than six months, the original agreement shall become null and void, and the niche may be reassigned by the church. The cost of the niche is non-refundable once it has been used and the remains removed.

What happens to the cremains if the church moves or ceases to exist?

In the event the church should relocate, every effort will be made to relocate the columbarium to the new church. Should the church cease to exist, disposition of the remains will be determined in consultation with the next of kin. In the event of no next of kin, or the inability to locate the next of kin, disposition will be at the discretion of the Session at the time.

What about placing flowers in the columbarium?

No flowers, wreaths or plants will be permitted in the columbarium, except for the appropriate arrangements of fresh flowers at the service of interment. Individuals wishing to honor the loved on may do so by contacting the church office to arrange flowers through the Deacon's Flower Fund for use during a regular worship service.

How may I reserve a niche in the columbarium?

Call the church office for an appointment to visit the columbarium, select a suitable niche, fill out the Agreement Form, and make a 50% deposit.