Columbarium

“Columbarium” is a term derived from the  Latin word “columba,” or dove, a symbol of God‘s spirit and peace. It is a  structure, often a vault or wall, with niches for urns containing the cremated remains of the dead. 

Historically, Christians have laid the dead to rest in churches, where they are remembered and their remains safe‐guarded. Burial within the church itself, or in the adjacent churchyard was once a common practice.  

 The columbarium is outsidethe south wall of the church and spans 5 feet in a free-standing wall. There are a total of 20 single niches, each 11” high x 11” wide x  11” deep.

Current or former members of record at Galilee may purchase a niche subscription.

Yes.  Niches are selected and assigned on a first‐come, first served basis. Upon first payment toward the niche subscription, the subscriber may specify by number the desired niche/niches.

Single niches are $700.  This covers the space and the upkeep and the engraving

No. But note – the subscription cost does not cover the cost of cremation nor the purchase of an urn or other receptacle for cremated remains; these arrangements are to be made separately by the subscriber or the family of the deceased

No. No reference will appear on your Galilee statements of contributions.

Galilee Lutheran Church recommends that you consult with your tax advisor on this point and offers no tax advice.

 If you discover that you don’t need the niche after you’ve purchased a subscription and you want to resell it, you must first offer it to Galilee at your original purchase price.

Yes.  The columbarium is located in a publicly-accessible area.

Yes, but they will be removed when wilted or deteriorated.

As long as Galilee Lutheran Church exists, it will exercise thorough and reasonable care in maintaining the columbarium.

Additional “wings” may be added to the columbarium.

If Galilee Lutheran Church conveyed an estate or tenancy in real estate, this would mean that title to our land would be encumbered with estates or tenancies of the number of subscribed niches. If we ever wished to use the church as collateral for a mortgage, for example, this would involve gathering the signatures of all the niche holders or their heirs on a subordination agreement or other document.