The Columbarium at FirstChurch
I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Generations of individuals and families have shaped their life in Christ through our community grounded at the corner of Ross and Harwood. In this place, First United Methodist Church of Dallas, all events and seasons of life are taught, celebrated, lived and honored: birth, baptism, confirmation, marriage, worship of God, spiritual growth and, finally, death. As Christians we know that death is never the final word. Where better to celebrate and honor this truth than within the very space where we have most often shared in the life and love of Jesus Christ? What is a Columbarium? In early Christian times, preferred burial space was within the church itself where the faithful gathered for a memorial service; The word columbarium is derived from columba, the Latin for dovecote, a compartmented house where doves, the symbol of God s Spirit and Peace, come to roost. The Columbarium at FirstChurch features a wall of niches which accommodate urns filled with the earthly remains of any member or former member of the church, ordained Methodist ministers, employees and former employees of the Church, and spouses, parents, children, and grand-children [natural, adopted, foster or step] of the above-mentioned persons. Why a Columbarium? There seems to be no more fitting place for the remains of a Christian than a columbarium within his or her church. Set in a serene space below the Narthex, The Columbarium at FirstChurch will provide a quiet, peaceful place for remembrance, meditation and prayer. A Sacred Space For All. Creating a sacred space was the primary architectural goal while designing The Columbarium at FirstChurch. Diffuse lighting creates an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. Lightcove portals cast a soft blue glow, opening a metaphorical connection to the heavenly realm. Traditional materials recall the rich history of FirstChurch and weave the Columbarium into the historic structure.
The Columbarium s Benefits Theological For generations, the faithful have honored our loved ones with special places as we believe they are in the special place with our God. We celebrate together the lasting legacy of our loved ones and God s continued care into abundant life. There is an inherent religious significance when an interment site is located at a church. It recognizes that our loved ones are members in the communion of saints. Pastoral With burial in the church, we are reminded that life abounds even in the face of death. Finding a place for grieving and thanksgiving offers our members and their families another sacred space. Visitation and remembrance is much more convenient. It is a visible link between deceased Christians and their church community. Economic There are ways for us to leave more to those whom we love through careful and mindful planning. The lasting gift to our family or our church could be increased through planning. The total cost for a two-person niche is estimated to be as little as half the cost of in-ground burial. Environmental We are called to be good stewards of God s gifts in this life and for the generations to come. Land use is minimized and ashes are virtually free of all environmental hazards.
Located on the north end of the ground floor, beneath the Narthex, The Columbarium at FirstChurch offers easy access to both the Sanctuary and Dickerson Chapel. What is included? Each niche can accommodate two urns, commonly referred to as companion niches. The total cost includes a companion niche, engraved marble faceplate, and two urns. You may also purchase a niche as a memorial even if remains are placed elsewhere. Additionally, our Colombarium will be well-maintained by our housekeeping and custodial staff as part of our continued stewardship of our church. How is the project funded? The Columbarium at FirstChurch is a self-funded project separate from the FirstChurch operating budget. Revenue from pre-sales of columbarium niches funds the initial construction of The Columbarium at FirstChurch. Additionally, the cost of each niche provides for the perpetual care of the columbarium. How do I purchase a niche? To secure a niche, please complete a reservation form and return to the FirstChurch office. A clergy representative is available to discuss The Columbarium at FirstChurch in both a spiritual and a life-planning context. 1928 Ross Avenue 214-220-2727 www.firstchurchdallas.org Dr. Andrew C. Stoker, Senior Minister
The Columbarium at FirstChurch FAQ What is a columbarium? A columbarium is a place where urns of cremated human remains (cremains) are stored (inurned) in niches, with each niche storing urns for two subscribers. What do Christian believe about cremation? Christians believe the body is just the house in which the soul lived. The Biblical precept of ashes to ashes, dust to dust is realized whether the body is buried or cremated. As the Apostle Paul states: So it is with the resurrection of the dead, what is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. (1 Corinthians 15:42) Where is FirstChurch s Columbarium located? The FirstChurch Columbarium is located below the Narthex on the ground level. Who can use The Columbarium? The Columbarium is a place of eternal rest for the cremated remains of past or present FirstChurch members and their immediate families, including spouses, parents and children; as well as past and present ordained staff members and their immediate families. Can I be placed with my friends and/or family? Yes, but each companion niche only holds two persons. You would need to subscribe to the total amount of niches you would need for your family. Normally, only a family member s cremains whom you select will share your niche. However, if two unrelated persons who are otherwise eligible for inurnment so choose, they may share a niche and its cost. Can I choose where my niche will be located? Choice of location is based on a first come first served which is based on amount of payment and the date of receipt. How do we handle the cremation part or who handles that? You will need a funeral home or cremation service to pick up your remains, cremate them, and deliver your cremated remains to our Columbarium on the day of your inurnment in an approved urn or the urn provided by FirstChurch. Each niche in The Columbarium holds two 8-inch by 8-inch urns. Can small memorial services be held in the columbarium area? Yes, inurnment services will be at the Columbarium just as they are held at a graveside at any other service. Memorial or funeral services will be held in our worship spaces in the same manner as they are currently held for our members. What kind of identifying marker is on each niche? When cremains have been interred into the Columbarium the name will be engraved on the exterior of the marble cover plate along with the year of birth and the year of death. When can I visit The Columbarium? While The Columbarium will not be locked, since it is inside, it will be accessible whenever the church is open during normal business hours on weekdays, on Sunday mornings, and whenever the church is open for other events. How much does a niche in The Columbarium cost? The cost of each niche is offered at a Preconstruction Cost of $3,900 for members and $5,000 for non-members and includes up to two urns and the exterior engraved nameplate. Niche fees also include opening and closing for inurnment, and perpetual care. How long do I have to pay? Reservation of a niche requires a 50% deposit with balance due no later than at the start of construction. How do I reserve a niche? Use the Columbarium reservation form at the end of this document. If you would like additional copies or have further questions, please contact Nancy Woolbright at 214-220-2727, ext. 210.
What if I have already made other burial arrangements? Should you prefer inurnment at the Columbarium instead, you should contact the facility with which you made arrangements to learn how those arrangements can be terminated. Some refund should be due on services paid for, but in most cases you will need to sell burial plots or mausoleum slots through the newspaper or a broker. May a niche be purchased for remembering a person whose ashes will not be interred? Yes. Is some portion of subscription cost counted toward annual contribution? No. Can visitors leave flowers or other signs of remembrance? No. Who administers the Columbarium? The Columbarium is part of First United Methodist Church and functions under the authority of the Board of Trustees. A Columbarium Committee, appointed by members of the Board of Trustees, oversees operation of the Columbarium. Who owns the niche? First United Methodist Church of Dallas owns the Columbarium, the niches included, and is responsible for upkeep of the facility. Individuals are purchasing right to use only. The Columbarium at FirstChurch Reservation Form I am interested in additional information about reserving niche space in The Columbarium at FirstChurch. I would like to reserve a niche and am making a payment in full for the pre-construction member price of $3,900.00. I would like to reserve a niche and am making a payment in full for the pre-construction nonmember price of $5,000.00. I would like to reserve a niche and am making a payment of $1,950.00 toward the preconstruction member price of $3,900.00. My final balance of $1,950.00 will be paid in full by the start of construction. I would like to reserve a niche and am making a payment of $2,500.00 toward the preconstruction non-member price of $5,000.00. My final balance of $2,500.00 will be paid in full by the start of construction. Signature Date Printed Name Selection of the location of the niches will be on a first come, first served basis dependent on the amount of payment received and the order in which payment is received. Once construction begins, the cost per niche may increase. In the event there is not enough interest in the columbarium project then all pre-construction funds and/or deposits will be refunded.