PURPOSE

The Garden of Peace at Bethesda Presbyterian Church provides a resting place for the cremated remains of deceased members and their families. A scattering and covering area is available for ashes along with a separate designated area for in-ground placement of urns containing ashes.

Wall mounted bronze plaques display the names of those whose ashes have been spread, buried, or deposited in urns. Names and years of birth and death are memorialized on the plaques. For those deposited in urns, in-ground granite markers will be placed at the site.

BACKGROUND

Long range planning surveys identified the need at Bethesda for a special place to serve as the final resting place for cremated remains of deceased members and their families.  A committee was formed, a proposal was developed and approved by the church, and Bethesda's Garden of Peace was built adjacent to the Hammet Chapel in a peaceful setting toward the back of the church grounds. Construction funding was from donations and pre-need reservation fees. Much of the construction labor was performed by members of our church.  The Garden of Peace dedication was held Sunday, April 26, 2009.

A bronze memorial plaque displays names of all whose remains are deposited there. In addition to having a garden spot for scattering or mixing cremains into the soil, there are 308 small plots reserved for in-ground placement of urns.

The garden features wrought iron gates and fencing, brick wall with bronze memorial names tablet, benches, a vintage bronze bas-relief sculpture depicting the risen Christ plus two angels, and a small granite water feature. The Hammet Chapel provides a close gathering place during inclement weather.

ELIGIBILITY

Members, former members, pastors and former pastors of Bethesda; their spouses, children, grandchildren, step-family members and parents: and others by decision of Bethesda's Session.

APPLICATION PROCESS

An agreement form must be completed prior to using the garden for placement of ashes or obtaining recognition on a memorial tablet.

FEE SCHEDULE *

$200 for scattering remains or incorporating them into the soil of the scattering area. This covers one name with birth year and death year inscribed on a bronze memorial tablet.

$650 for an in-ground plot with a blank granite plot marker, and two name inscriptions on the bronze memorial plaque (only for husband and wife). If only one person is to be inurned in the plot, the fee is $500 and only one name will be shown on the bronze memorial tablet.

Cost of engraving the in-ground granite plot marker will be borne by the family and must meet Bethesda's guidelines.

A portion of the fees will be retained for maintenance and perpetual care.

* Fees are subject to change.