Memorial Garden
Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church
Memorial Garden
The Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church Memorial Garden came together after many years of planning and fund raising supported by members and friends of the church.
It has been created as place of peace and remembrance for our members and as a legacy for future generations.
It is a place to memorialize loved ones and to scatter their ashes.
A place to hold ceremonies and celebrations.
A place to sit in quiet reflection and contemplation.
What is the purpose of the Memorial Garden?
Many members of the Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church like the idea of their passage on this earth being recorded. The Memorial Garden of the church which was meaningful in their lives provides an ideal location.
Having memorial activities on the church grounds strengthens bonds within the congregation and imparts a sense of community and history.
Arranging in advance for the placements of one’s remains after death greatly simplifies the problems faced by the survivors.
Memorialization on church grounds can be done at considerably less cost than elsewhere.
What is in the Memorial Garden?
The centerpiece of the Memorial Garden is the Eartharium, a chalice shaped area where ashes may be placed in union with the ashes of other members. Surrounding this are native trees, shrubs and perennial plants where ashes may also be scattered. There are a number of benches and large memorial stones upon which the names of those whose ashes are scattered here can be inscribed. A path leading from the patio in the rear of our church takes you to the garden and incircles the Eartharium.
Whose ashes may be placed in the Memorial Garden?
Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church members and their families or companions.
Is text limited to names and dates?
Yes. For reasons of equity and aesthetics, memorial text will be standardized as names and four digit years of birth and death.
Is it necessary to have the name of the deceased and their dates of birth and death inscribed on one of the memorial stones?
No. The names and dates of birth and death of all those whose ashes are scattered here will be written in a Memorial Ledger that is kept in the Wilson Memorial Library of the church. Inscriptions on the memorial stones are an additional cost.
Can trees, bushes or plants be purchased for the Memorial Garden in memory of those whose ashes are scattered there?
Yes. Plantings can be purchased in accordance with the Memorial Garden Master Plan. There will also be opportunities to donate funds for materials to improve the overall garden.
How are ashes to be scattered in the Memorial Garden?
After consultation with the garden administrator, you may scatter the ashes privately or you may consult with the Minister, if you wish to have a ceremony.
How will maintenance of the Memorial Garden be assured?
The Memorial Garden Committee will be in charge of the Memorial Garden maintenance. Perpetual care will be assured by setting aside a percentage of the fees.
May I prepay for myself and/or family members?
Yes. Prepayment will assist with ongoing maintenance of the Memorial Garden.
What are the fees?
- Ashes scattered and name placed in Memorial Ledger are free to NSUU members and $200.00 for family members and non-member companions.
- Name with birth and death year engraved in bronze and placed on the Memorial stones is $400.00.
- Benches and plantings will vary in cost.
Other questions?
Contact Bob Ferris (bobferris1949@gmail.com or Chris Ruggles (cruggles61@gmail.com)
Memorial Garden Committee
Rosemary Broadbent
Bob Ferris
Barbara Haight
Hal Morse
Chris Ruggles
Susan Haas, Board Chairman, ex-officio
Garden Consultant – Maryann Malarkey