Church of the Epiphany Memorial Garden
Church of the Epiphany Scatter Garden
The use of churches and churchyards as places of interment is a centuries-old Christian practice. It is a witness to our faith in Jesus Christ who is the Resurrection and the Life. A Memorial Garden is a natural place for Christians to inter the ashes of loved ones following cremation, as well as a place of peace and beauty where people can rest and meditate.
It is fitting that the Memorial Garden should be the setting for the committal of ashes and the last rites of comfort. The story of our faith begins with creation when the Lord God planted a garden in Eden (Genesis 2:8) and continues to Golgotha where there was a garden in the place where Jesus had been put to death and in it was a new tomb. (John 19:41) Mary Magdalene met the risen Lord in that garden. (John 20:14)
Scattering of Ashes
According to Diocesan guidelines, ashes may be scattered in the soil and then covered with the quartz mulch. Each person’s ashes are placed in a separate location without a marker.
Registration and Records
The names of those whose ashes are scattered will be kept in the Church burial register and the Memorial Garden Book as required by the Canons of the Diocese of Algoma. The committee will also install on the Memorial Garden Plaque in the Church a brass plaque inscribed with the deceased’s name, birth year and year of death. If the family so wishes, a donation towards the cost of installing the plaque may be made.
Meditation Garden
Committal Service
The celebrant at the scattering of the ashes will be the incumbent or any other person acting under the authority of the incumbent.
Donations
There shall be no fee charged for the scattering of the ashes or for the perpetual care of the Memorial Garden. However, donations to the Memorial Garden Fund for the upkeep of the Memorial Garden would be appreciated. Please contact the Church office for further information.