The Frownfelter Columbarium

Bringing Christian Burial Back to the Church
Burial within the church has been a respected tradition throughout history; some of the world’s most historic churches are known for the cemeteries that adjoin the church. The Frownfelter Columbarium provides a rare opportunity to reclaim the churchyard burial tradition.

Some people and are uncertain how to reverently care for the remains of their loved one. Each Frownfelter Columbarium niche has the capacity for two copper urns. The family can be as involved in planning with the Rector as they wish.

Each urn is returned to the parish by the family’s funeral director after cremation, as the family directs. In the Chapel, the inurnment takes place at a time selected by the family, with the Rector using the Committal Service in the Book of Common Prayer. This may follow a public or private memorial service. Some families choose immediate inurnment, with a memorial service planned for a later time.

What St. Paul’s “Frownfelter Columbarium” Provides
The parish offers the following services to any Episcopalian who wishes to purchase a niche:

• The right to inurn any person they wish so long as the parish inurnment service is in use;
• An engraved bronze plate on the external Columbarium “door” with the names of the departed, and dates of birth and death;
• A key to the Church for the family, so they may visit the Columbarium when it is convenient to them;
• Up to two copper urns with the deceased’s name(s) engraved on the urn (two urns per niche);
• Care of the niches;
• A comfortable, all-season seating area in St. Paul’s well-appointed Chapel;
• Opening and closing of the niches as required;
• Easy, informal access to pastoral care as needed;
• Gracious funeral planning and bereavement ministries.

These services meet or exceed locally available interment options, at a greatly reduced cost. One way this is accomplished is through the faithful, voluntary ministries of parish members.

Today, churches throughout the United States and Canada are finding that Columbaria express and make permanent the irreplaceable feeling of “church family.” Be it Christmas Eve, Easter Sunday, or regular Sabbath services, the congregation— past and present— is together in body and spirit.

If interested in learning more, please contact the Columbarium Committee via the parish office. We look forward to meeting your needs.