Memory Garden        

Take a stroll through our garden by clicking on "Virtual Tour" at the top of this page.

For centuries burial places have been provided near churches, so that the remains of deceased members may rest close to their earthly spiritual homes.

In response to an increased interest in cremation and interment as a form of burial, Second Congregational United Church of Christ in 1990 designated the church courtyard as "The Memory Garden" -- a place where the cremated remains of church members, relatives, or friends might be interred.

A subcommittee of the Diaconate was appointed to be responsible for the development, financial management, and maintenance of the Memory Garden.

By 1993 a Master Plan had been developed for converting the old courtyard into a beautifully landscaped Memory Garden. Enthusiastic response from the Diaconate and congregation enabled the plan to move to completion. The Memory Garden was then formally dedicated on May 26, 1996.

Interment Procedures

1. 1. Cremains to be interred in the Memory Garden may be placed in the provided memorial receptacle or may be scattered directly upon the garden at the time of interment.
2. 2. At the time of the interment service, one arrangement of flowers may be placed in the Memory Garden. On other memorial occasions, donations for flowers may be made for the church sanctuary altar.
3. No markers will be used to identify interment sites in the Memory Garden.
4. Names of those interred in the Memory Garden will be on a memorial plaque located prominently inside the church.
5. Interment records shall be maintained in the church office.
6. At the time of interment, a minister of Second Congregational, United Church of Christ, will conduct a service according to the wishes of the family or survivors.

Eligibility Procedures

1. Cremains of members of Second Congregational United Church of Christ, their families and friends, may be interred.
2. Applications for Certificates of Rights for Burial shall be made either in advance of need or at the time of interment. A minimum non-refundable donation of $250.00 is suggested at time of application. These donations are to be used exclusively for Memory Garden maintenance and improvement.

For further information please call the church office (616-361-2629).