
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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