
St. John’s Columbarium in the
Nelson Memorial Garden

What is a Columbarium?
The columbarium at St. John’s United Methodist Church, located in the peaceful Nelson Memorial Garden, is a sacred space where the ashes of loved ones are laid to rest. This tranquil setting offers families a meaningful and lasting way to honor those who have passed while keeping them close to their church home.
Rooted in Christian tradition, our columbarium reflects the church’s ongoing care for its members—both in life and in death. Cremation is a reverent, acceptable practice within the United Methodist Church and also serves as an environmentally responsible choice, conserving land and resources while providing a thoughtful, cost-conscious alternative to traditional burial.
The columbarium features:
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Individual niches, each holding the cremated remains of one or two loved ones
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A memorial wall displaying the names of other loved ones who may be inurned elsewhere or buried traditionally
Applications are available for reserving a niche or including a name on the memorial wall. Please contact the church office for more information.
Nelson Memorial Garden
The Nelson Memorial Garden, nestled between our sanctuary and chapel, has been designed to provide a serene and reflective environment. The columbarium is complemented by:
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Beautiful landscaping and seasonal plantings
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Thoughtful lighting to create a peaceful atmosphere
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A wrought iron fence and gate for privacy and reverence
It’s a space where family, faith, and memory come together in quiet beauty.
