First Presbyterian Church Newark

Remembrance Garden

Committees:

Board of Trustees Officers

Our Remembrance Garden is located on a gentle, wooded slope in the rear of the property of First Presbyterian Church, behind Memorial Hall. This Garden is a place for the cremated remains of loved ones, as well as a place for meditation, reflection, and prayer. Our Remembrance Garden is designed around a free-form walkway with two low steps set in a field stone wall, capped with Pennsylvania bluestone. Two benches allow people to enjoy the serenity of the Garden.

Interment ~ Ashes may be buried in a biodegradable container that can be obtained from a funeral home. It is buried at a recorded but unmarked location. Ashes may also be scattered, as the family desires. A plaque, engraved with the name of the deceased and his/her years of birth and death, is permanently attached to the wall's capstone. A remembrance book is maintained to preserve a list of these deceased members, contributors to the garden and notes about the services and ceremonies held in the Garden.

Services ~ Services, either memorial or for the interment of the ashes are arranged with the Clergy of the church, the Facilities Manager and the chosen mortuary. If the family so desires, there is a ceremonial box available at the Church for the remains to be placed in during any memorial service.

Membership ~ There is a charge for one to be a member of the Garden and thus have their ashes interred in the garden. All Remembrance Garden members are to be present of former members of First Presbyterian Church. Family membership, defined as those who are residing in a common household, is $800. An individual membership is $500. The fee is to be paid in full with a check made out to the First Presbyterian Church, noted that it is for Our Remembrance Garden Membership.

All general gifts, memorials and membership fees will be treated as tax deductible contributions to the First Presbyterian Church.

Maintenance ~ Our Remembrance Garden committee is composed of interested members of the Garden and the Church. They oversee the normal operation and seasonal maintenance of the Garden. A gardener has been hired to maintain the garden on a regular basis. Annual plantings are placed in the Garden to add color to the beautiful perennials already in the Garden. Contributions are used to offset the cost of maintaining the Garden

If you would like more information about Our Remembrance Garden, call the church office at (302) 731-5644 or e-mail to: fpchurch@firstpresnewark.org.