What is a Columbarium?
The word columbarium is derived from the Latin columbary (dwelling place of a dove). Christians believe the dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.
A columbarium is a collection of niches designed to house urns containing cremated remains. The MDPC Columbarium, located on the south side of the Sanctuary adjacent to the existing Prayer Garden, consists of 306 double niches (each capable of holding two urns).
Also available within the garden is a Memorial Wall that can be engraved in memory of a deceased family member.
What do Christians Believe about Cremation?
Christians believe that at the point of death, the soul ascends immediately to be with God. The body is just the house in which the soul lived. The Biblical precept of ashes to ashes, dust to dust is realized whether the body is buried or cremated. The New Testament concept of the resurrection of the body refers to the new body, not the old one. Or, as the Apostle Paul puts it: “So it is with the resurrection of the dead, what is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable.” (1 Corinthians 15:42)
Who can be Interred or Memorialized in the Columbarium?
The MDPC Columbarium is a place of eternal rest for the cremated remains of:
- past or present MDPC members and their immediate families, as defined in the Policies and Procedures.
- past and present ordained staff members and their immediate families.
Other individuals may be eligible with the approval of the Columbarium Committee.
The Memorial Wall may be engraved with the names of:
- deceased church members or their immediate family members who are not interred in the columbarium; or
- past or present ordained staff and their immediate families who are not interred in the columbarium.
Why did MDPC Create a Columbarium?
As church members and their families began choosing cremation more frequently, many approached MDPC about building a space where cremated remains could be placed. The abundance of member interest precipitated the development of this facility.
Church interment provides a permanent link between the deceased and their surviving family members, and it allows for frequent and respectful visits. A practical consideration is that cremation and interment in a columbarium is considerably less expensive than other alternatives.
Can Arrangements be made in Advance?
Planning and making arrangements for your physical death is a gift to your family. MDPC is here to assist you in the process. You may select a niche of your choice from those that remain available.
What is Included in the Interment Package?
- A Service of Committal in the Columbarium
- An urn to contain the ashes
- A single or double niche to permanently house the urn(s) in a location of your choice (subject to availability)
- A granite faceplate incised with the individual’s name and life dates
- A comfortable outdoor seating area in a garden setting
- For those whose remains rest elsewhere, the Memorial Wall offers an additional option for remembrance
What are the Costs?
Single Niche $2,200
Double Niche $4,000
Memorial Wall $1,000
A 5% discount is offered for payments made in full (by check or cash) upon application. Included in the cost is the right to be interred in the niche, the niche marker, the niche incising, and the urn(s).
For more information, contact Annette Erickson at
or 713-490-9544.
