Columbarium construction is almost complete.

In the rural United States, in European villages, and in other parts of the world it was common for members of a church – often many generations of families – to be laid to rest on church grounds. Members of churches were baptized, worshipped, lived their lives of service, and found their final resting places, all in the same church and churchyard.

However, as people became more mobile and moved to cities, this tradition became less common. In many ways, a columbarium--- a wall of niches for urns containing ashes of the deceased---is a continuation and restoration of the tradition of the church cemetery. Belmont’s columbarium is intended to be a place to honor those inurned there, and to be a place of honor, prayer, reflection, and remembrance.

Read testimonials from Belmonters who have already purchased niches.

Below are some frequently asked questions.

Where is Belmont’s columbarium located?

The columbarium is located by the Acklen Avenue entrance, adjacent to Ferguson Chapel, in the space formerly used as a prayer room. Current plans include an indoor columbarium, with the potential for a future outdoor location in the space between the main Belmont building and the Community Center.

Who may use the columbarium?

Use of the columbarium is open to all members of BUMC and their immediate families, including spouse/partner and children. It is also available to former Belmont pastors and their spouse/partner/children.

How many urns will fit in a niche?

Each niche will have space for two urns, which are provided by the church. A niche may be shared by two unrelated individuals who would then split the cost of the niche. Desired niche location may be chosen at the time of reservation.

How much does an indoor niche cost?

Upon the recommendation of the Columbarium Committee, the Board of Trustees has approved the following fees to cover the cost of the construction, administration, operation, maintenance, and perpetual care of the columbarium.

• Full Niche- $3,000. Holds two separate urns. Includes niche, urn, inurnment, marble plaque and engraving.
• Half Niche- $1500. An individual may reserve ½ niche. Remaining half may be reserved by a second individual. Includes urn, inurnment, shared granite plaque, and engraving.

What information will be on each niche?

The person’s name, date of birth, and date of death will be included on each niche on a granite plaque.

How do I reserve a niche in the columbarium?

Contact the church office. Use of the columbarium requires a completed and signed Agreement of Use and the payment of any fees.

At the time of death, what steps are necessary to use the columbarium?

Cremation is arranged by the family of the deceased with a crematorium or funeral home. The cost of cremation is not included in the reservation of the niche. The church provides the urn into which the ashes are placed. A church representative will be available to provide additional information and support with these arrangements.

Can a niche be decorated, or can flowers be left nearby?

Floral Tributes may be used on the day of inurnment. Due to space limitations, individual niches cannot be decorated.

Who is responsible for handling/maintaining the administrative process?

Administration of the columbarium is the responsibility of a committee appointed by Belmont’s Administrative Board. This group is responsible for acceptance of payment, assignment of niches, use and maintenance of the columbarium, as well as all financial affairs related to the columbarium.

What is the plan for perpetual care of cremains?

Belmont is committed to the perpetual care of the ashes of the deceased in its columbarium. In the event that in the future the church changes locations or constructs a new building, the church commits to the movement of the columbarium and to its continuance in a peaceful and consecrated space.

Where can I get more information?
Contact the church by phone 615-383-0832.

A last word

The word “columbarium,” plural “columbaria,” comes from the Italian word “columba,” meaning “dove.” The traditional nesting places of doves were rows of small wooden boxes call columbaria. Long ago people noticed that the walls of niches that were the resting places of ashes in churches had a similar appearance and began using the same word to refer to those. These people may have been inspired by the symbolism of the spirits of the dead rising to heaven, just as doves leave their columbaria each day and take to the sky.