The Columbarium

Christian Burial: History and Tradition

From earliest Christian times there has been a cherished church tradition of burying the dead within the confines of the church buildings and grounds. In recent years there has been a widespread return to the ancient practice of cremation. This has made the Columbarium a practical and appropriate place for the interment of the ashes of the faithful, where the ashes can be deposited within the structure of the church building itself. Indeed, since the early part of the 1800s, all burials in Westminster Abbey have been cremated remains.

Cremation is dignified, theologically and ecologically sound, and economically sensible. It has become increasingly appropriate as land available for cemeteries has become scarce as well as expensive. Last year 20% of those who died in the United States were cremated.

The Columbarium at The Church of the Redeemer

The Bishop of Maryland, the Rt. Rev. Robert Ihloff, has said, "As we place ashes in the Columbarium, we situate our loved one and ourselves in a context of loving worshipping community."

The Columbarium at the Church of the Redeemer has been established for more than 20 years. It is situated on both the north and the south sides of our historic Chapel. The Columbarium is intended to meet the needs of those who desire a place of interment for themselves and their loved ones on the grounds of the church where they have been baptized, worshipped, confirmed or married. Only current or past members of Redeemer may purchase a columbarium.

Currently, the Columbarium holds the ashes of more than 165 members of the Redeemer community. The spaces in the south Columbarium are fully subscribed. There are, however, 126 spaces available in the lovely and serene garden in the north Columbarium.

Cost of Interment

Application for these spaces may be made to the Columbarium Committee through the church office. The cost of each niche, which holds two urns, is $1000. There is an interment fee of $250 which covers the cost of engraving the names and dates of the deceased.

Planning Ahead

Packets of information are available in the church office for all parishioners, whether they purchase a niche or not. Members and their families may find these materials helpful to keep at home and on file at Redeemer. Each packet includes:

1. A form to be completed by each member listing pertinent information which will be helpful at the time of death.
2. A checklist of matters that need to be taken care of following death.
3. A list of suggested hymns for Christian Burial.

Members of the Columbarium Committee or the clergy would be glad to answer any questions.