Laurel Heights United Methodist Church Columbarium
Just inside the northwest entrance to the Sanctuary, soft rays of sunlight filter through a stained-glass window into a quiet room that houses the columbarium.
This peaceful space is a sacred resting place for members of the Laurel Heights community who have returned to God.
The existence of a columbarium symbolizes the union of the church with the past, the present, and the future. Throughout Christian history, the remains of loved ones have been interred on sacred ground, often in churchyards.
In recent years, with the rise of interest in cremation, churches have responded by providing columbaria within their buildings for inurnment.
Laurel Heights UMC is no exception. The Columbarium was dedicated on All Saints Day in 2009, providing niches for members and their families to be interred within the beautiful historic sanctuary where they once worshiped.
The presence of the columbarium is our congregation’s way of continuing the tradition of honoring our saints by providing a place of beauty, peace, and dignity within the lasting home of their church.
A Peaceful Place of Repose
The prayerful environment of our Sanctuary’s northwest entry space is enhanced by the Columbarium, a sculptural work of art cast in bronze with a lustrous patina that covers two walls of the room.
Here, we are surrounded by Christian symbols, including stems of wheat and the Lamb of God Cross, artistically displayed. The bronze faceplates and the sculpted cross centerpiece were chosen to complement the architecture of our building.
The church is a Christian’s spiritual home on earth—a place where families in Christ gather for worship and fellowship and ultimately enter eternal life. Interment here reflects our belief in the communion of saints and our faith in the resurrection to eternal life.
These symbols offer comfort to families and visitors. The stems of wheat are associated with resurrection. Jesus chose a grain of wheat as a symbol of life: a tiny, often unnoticed seed that, when planted, drives away hunger and brings prosperity and blessings to all. The wheat symbolizes the fertility of the earth, renewal, rebirth, and abundance.
The bronze sculpted cross at the center of the Columbarium wall is an artistic depiction of an ancient form, with the Lamb of God at its center. Additional symbols include the river—representing life and baptism—and symbols for each of the disciples Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John at the points of the cross.
It is a peaceful place of repose.
Learn More Details
Location
The LHUMC Columbarium is located inside the northwest entry to the Sanctuary, near the Belknap Entrance. It may be accessed from the northwest sidewalk or from within the Sanctuary. This quiet, comfortably furnished space is open during church hours and is available for contemplation and prayer.
Eligibility
Interment is available to members of Laurel Heights United Methodist Church, their family members, clergy, and church staff.
Size
The wall-mounted Columbarium contains 124 niches. Each niche holds the ashes of one individual and is covered with a bronze panel featuring a wheat design. A brass nameplate, engraved with the individual’s name, date of birth, and date of death, is included.
Cost
Cremation and inurnment in a columbarium is often a more affordable option than burial in a cemetery. Each niche is priced at $800, which includes: One niche, one canister, one brass nameplate, and perpetual care by the LHUMC Trustees.
Payment is due upon acceptance of the application, at which time a niche may be selected. Application materials are found in the Rules and Regulations for Operation of the Columbarium.
Oversight
The Columbarium is owned and operated by the Trustees of Laurel Heights UMC. A Columbarium Committee works with the Trustees to oversee operations and ensure ongoing care. Each subscriber receives and signs an agreement outlining these responsibilities.
Memorial Registry
The Memorial Registry honors those interred in the LHUMC Columbarium since its consecration on All Saints’ Day, November 2009. With family permission, names and obituaries are published on the church website at laurelheights.org.
Church interment creates a lasting connection between loved ones and their place of worship, allowing family and friends to visit and remember during regular church hours and services.