The Memorial Garden and Columbarium

For centuries Christians in Europe and those in the early days of our country buried their loved ones in churchyards adjacent to the church. Families attending worship could pause at the gravesite to remember their loved ones. As our country became more urbanized, cemeteries for this purpose, apart from the parish church, gradually replaced the churchyard resting places.

With the increased acceptance of simplicity and dignity of cremation, columbaria are enabling people to prepare for their cremation in the churchyard alongside the parish church where they have been nourished and supported in their faith.

A columbarium for the inurnment and a garden for the interment of ashes were constructed in November 2000, on the grounds of Saint Andrew’s in the Valley. Funds were a bequest of Nettie C. Platt, a long-time member of this parish. The columbarium and garden are visible from the narthex and the sanctuary of the Church and are accessible by an open walkway from the east side of the Church. There are forty-eight niches for remains. Further, the memorial gardens allow for the scattering of ashes or interring directly in the soil.

The current cost of a niche is $1,000.00 and includes engraving of the faceplate. For more information, please contact the Rector at 717-657-8583.