University Park UMC Memorial Garden

Welcome to the University Park United Methodist Church Memorial Garden, a beautiful site designed to draw one closer to God, a sacred place to offer prayers, to give thanks, and to remember. The columbarium will serve as a final resting place and a memorial wall will be erected for the remembrance of other loved ones previously deceased.

For centuries, loved ones who passed from this life were buried in their churchyards as reminders of this promise that God would be with us eternally. Although the urban environment has made this practice little more than a memory, the Trustees of University Park United Methodist Church have chosen to include a beautiful and serene columbarium, with The Memorial Garden. This holy place will be available to serve as a final resting place for the cremains of our loved ones.

What is a Columbarium?
The word “columbarium” comes from a Latin word columbary, which is a structure for the nesting of doves – the dove being the symbol of God’s spirit and peace. The related word – columbarium – refers to a burial vault for the containment of urns holding cremated human remains. It is an old term and an old tradition used for centuries here and abroad.

What are the benefits?
Families who choose cremation for the departed loved ones rather than conventional burial will find The Memorial Garden a wonderful option – dignified, convenient and affordable. In addition, The Memorial Garden is very convenient for memorial ceremonies – providing a place for the congregation to gather in the garden and visually take part in the inurnment service.

Who may use The Memorial Garden?
The garden is reserved for current and former members, as well as clergy of University Park United Methodist Church and their families.

What does it cost?
The fee for a companion niche is $3000. This fee includes the urns, the plaques inscribed with the name and dates of birth and death, the opening and closing of the niche for inurnment, and perpetual care. Each niche is designed to hold two urns. This fee does not cover the cost of cremation. Other memorial purchases options include:
Memorial Plaque, $1,500
Fountain donation, $10,000
Bench donation, $5,000

How do I purchase a niche?
Download and complete an application by clicking HERE and return it to the address listed on the application form. Once the application is approved, a certificate covering inurnment ownership rights will be sent to the purchaser. If you purchase a niche and decide not to use it, we will repurchase the niche for the original selling price. Once the niche has been used, no refund will be made. A niche cannot be sold or transferred and may only be used by those listed in the original purchase.