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What is the Columbarium?
The Columbarium is a ministry of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church offered to both our members and the wider community. The columbarium provides a place for prayer, meditation, reflection, and remembrance. People may choose to have their remains interred in a columbarium niche, engraved with their name, birth and death dates.
About the Columbarium
The columbarium is constructed of locally sourced Elgin brick, made specifically to complement the colors of the existing church buildings.
There are foundations for five columbaria structures to be identified as Love, Faith, Grace, Hope, and Mercy.
The columbarium garden will include a baptismal water feature, benches, and an altar, with drought resilient landscaping features native to this region of Texas. The entire garden will be irrigated.
The garden is named after long time member, Emely Sundbeck, wife of Carl Sundbeck. We would like to thank Carl and all our donors for their generosity.
Fee Information
How much does a 12" x 12" x 12" columbarium niche cost?
The price is set by the Columbarium Committee and is subject to change.
Current Cost:
$2,500 for members and $3,500 for non-members.
Each niche may hold up to two urns.
How may I purchase a niche?
Complete a Columbarium Purchase Agreement and Engraving Agreement.
Remit full payment via personal check, cashier's check, or money order.
May niches be purchased and inscribed in advance of need?
Yes. This allows for thoughtful planning and helps ensure that arrangements reflect one’s personal wishes.
Contributions and Tax Deductions
How are contributions used?
All fees paid for niches will be used to defray the costs associated with maintenance of the Columbarium and its further development. Should accumulated funds exceed maintenance and custodial needs, those excess funds may be used at the discretion of the committee and Church Council.
What is the tax status of contributions?
Purchases of niches are not tax deductible. Their cost represents fair market value. However, donations to the Columbarium in excess of niche costs are tax deductible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Inurnment
What is the necessary preparation for remains to be interred in the Columbarium?
Any crematory licensed in the State of Texas -or one meeting equivalent standards may be utilized to cremate the remains for inurnment.
Does the State have laws regulating the inurnment of cremains in a Columbarium?
No.
How are arrangements made to inter cremains? Arrangements are made between the pastor (or authorized representative) and the person making the arrangements for interment of cremains. Sufficient notice should be provided.
What options exist for disposition of cremains? Cremains may be placed (within an urn) inside a columbarium niche, or within the Common Urn.
How will names appear?
For cremains interred in a columbarium niche, the name, birth date, and date of death of each decedent will be engraved on a 12" x 12" granite tile (niche cover). If two people are interred in a niche, then both names and associated dates will be engraved on the same niche cover.
May cremains be removed once they are interred?
Temporary removal and replacement is not permitted. The family/authorized representative may permanently remove cremains from a columbarium niche with written consent from the St. Peter’s Columbarium Committee. However, no refunds will be issued for the niche or engraving purchase price.
Is a funeral, memorial, or worship service at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church required before cremains are interred in the Columbarium?
No, a service is not required but is encouraged.
Who may perform an Inurnment service?
If utilizing an individual other than St. Peter’s Pastor, the St. Peter’s Pastor must be informed and consent.
Responsibility
The St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Council designates a Columbarium Committee to oversee the Columbarium. The duties of this committee include the following:
Develop and maintain guidelines for operation and maintenance of the Columbarium in coordination with the church council;
produce, in coordination with the church council, necessary brochures and forms;
make recommendations to the church council through the designated liaison regarding future needs or expansion of the Columbarium;
monitor, oversee, and participate in the continuing development and maintenance of the Columbarium
participate with church council in coordinating purchases and installation of columbaria niches
monitor Columbarium finances in coordination with the church council and the financial secretary.
when the garden is fully developed, and available funds exceed maintenance and perpetuity needs, the Columbarium Committee may recommend the transfer of excess funds to the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church General Fund; or the committee may designate said funds for a specific purpose approved by the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Council. The transfer of money may not deplete the fund below prudent operating costs, which are deemed essential to ensure maintenance and continuity of the Columbarium in perpetuity.
In the event of unforeseen contingencies, including relocation or demise of the congregation, the Church Council or its representative will determine the most appropriate means of disposal
Maintenance
Who maintains the Columbarium?
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church maintains the Columbarium with the assistance of interested volunteers and professional paid help as supported by the Columbarium Fund. This is accomplished primarily by the Columbarium Committee.
Does St. Peter’s Lutheran Church maintain historical records for each person's cremains interred in the Columbarium?
Yes, through the use of the Columbarium purchase and engraving agreements, kept on file.
Other Questions
Who makes arrangements for cremation?
This is a responsibility of the family, next of kin, or authorized representative of the deceased. St. Peter’s Lutheran Church has no role in this arrangement.
Can inscriptions or epitaphs other than names and dates be inscribed on the plaques?
Unfortunately, no, space on the plaques is limited. However, personalized markers may be placed in the upper left or right portion of the engraved plate.
Are there other opportunities to memorialize loved ones?
Yes, there are potential opportunities to sponsor the purchase of other additions such as stone benches, additions to the worship space, etc… However, all memorials and other such additions to the Columbarium must be approved by the committee and must adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Council.
Where can I find more information about the Columbarium?
You are welcome to contact any staff member or members of the Columbarium Committee.
Documents
St Peter's Lutheran COLUMBARIUM PURCHASE AGREEMENT.docxSt Peter's Lutheran ENGRAVING AGREEMENT.docx(final).docxPage updated
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