The Memorial Garden
An Alternative Resting Place
Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord,
And let Perpetual Light shine upon them.
Requiem, Giuseppe Verdi
Over time, a little recognized custom evolved as survivors of deceased family members,
with permission from the Session of our church, distributed the cremated remains of their loved
ones on our church grounds, namely on the wooded hill south of the sanctuary.
A committal service was provided when requested.
In the fall of 2000 the Session, sensitive to the desires of our members,
envisaged a new ministry to provide a dedicated memorial resting place open to
Barrington Presbyterians for interment, meditation, prayer and solace.
The Trustees undertook to plan and develop the facility we know as
The Memorial Garden. In its serene, seasonally changing beauty the
story of life, loss, and redemption is retold. Its inviting “rambling
cross” walk, interspersed with dedicated laser bricks is softly illuminated
from dusk to dawn for access after hours.
This is intended to provide answers to some of the questions you may have about The Memorial Garden.
Whose remains may be interred in the Garden?
How is the right to interment acquired?
How will interment be effected?
Will the deceased be memorialized?
How will services be conducted?
How may I contribute to this ministry?
Download the Memorial Garden Interment Agreement.
Where can I get more information about the Garden?
Whose remains may be interred in the Garden?
Eligible for interment are the cremated remains of members of
the Presbyterian Church of Barrington and of their designated immediate
family without regard to church affiliation. The Church will
consider extending the privilege to others it deems appropriate upon
written application.
How is the right to interment acquired?
The Church issues an Interment Agreement to the eligible applicant upon payment
of the fee then in effect. This instrument sets forth the terms and conditions for use.
The
fee is available in a separate schedule or upon inquiry at the Church office.
Prepayment at any time will assure the terms then in effect.
How will interment be effected?
An option is offered for direct permanent burial of the remains in a biodegradable receptacle
or for surface dispersal over the ground. The placement of the remains will be determined
by the location of prior burials.
Will the deceased be memorialized?
The name of the deceased, with dates of birth and death, will be inscribed on a plate affixed
to a bronze plaque mounted on a boulder along the path to the Garden. In addition,
the name and relevant facts pertinent to the life of the individual supplied by the family
may be recorded in the Remembrance Book on view in the Church. Surviving family
members of those whose remains have been dispersed on church grounds in prior years may
apply for similar recognition with payment of the requisite fee.
How will services be
conducted?
The family, in consultation with the Pastor, will determine the nature of the services.
Now available are options to choose a committal in the Garden following the traditional
sanctuary service or to do so at a later time. A private committal service only for
family and close friends may also be arranged. Clergy from other churches are welcome,
upon request and with the approval of the Session, to assist the officiating senior
or associate Pastor.
How may I contribute to this ministry?
The expense of the Garden construction and the fund for its maintenance and development
were derived from restricted gifts and memorials designated for the Garden.
No portion of general Church funds derived from pledges was or will be used for
these purposes. The names of past and future donors of significant gifts
and memorials by category are inscribed on a Contributors Plaque prominently
displayed in the Church, but contributions in any amount are always welcome
and needed. In addition, engraved dedicated walkway bricks are in place
in the Garden. The bricks are available in two sizes and may be purchased
for future installation. Inquire at the office.
Download the Memorial Garden Interment Agreement.
This document contains the form for the interment agreement of the Memorial Garden in a printable version.
Memorial Garden Interment Agreement.pdf (68KB)
Where can I get more information about the Garden?
One of the Pastors will be glad to give you the information you need. Please contact us at the Church office,
847-381-0975. For more information:
Contact Our Staff