Memorial Garden
We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.
Romans 14:7-8
The WGPC Memorial Garden to honor and remember...
Webster Groves Presbyterian Church is a place where our families come together in worship, joy, grief and hope.
The Memorial Garden is a place where we honor and remember those who form the fabric of our church and life together. This garden, dedicated in 2008, is about our church community, memory and connections that endure the changes of time.
The garden was designed to exist in harmony with the rich history and architecture of the church. It was built along the east side of the Sanctuary, sheltered by a partial wall of stone and wrought-iron fencing. The center fountain of black granite, landscaping and benches offer a contemplative setting.
Church members can choose from several options to memorialize loved ones:
- Niches faced with beautiful granite are available to hold cremated remains.
- Remains also may be buried in the garden.
- Pavers inside the garden may be engraved to honor or remember loved ones.
Eligibility
The garden is available for interment of members, former members and staff of the Webster Groves Presbyterian Church and member of their immediate families.
Niches
The Memorial Garden has 110 niches. Each niche has the capacity to hold two urns of cremated remains. The granite face of each niche will be carved with the individual's name and dates.
Urns
The family or representative of the deceased is to supply the urn for niches. Each niche will accommodate two urns, each will be no larger than 10-1/2" tall and 5-1/2" wide.
In Ground
Ashes of those who choose interment may be buried in the garden. A portion of the ashes may be ceremonially scattered. Names and dates for those interred will be carved into tablets on the garden side of the stone piers.
Pavers
Pavers inside the garden may be engraved to memorialize, honor, and celebrate individuals and such church events as weddings, baptisms and anniversaries.
Engravings
All names and dates will be engraved in a uniform font, size and style that has been selected and approved by the Memorial Garden Committee.
Book of Remembrance
The names and dates of birth and death of those interred in the garden will be entered into a Book of Remembrance.
Pre-need Purchase
Church members are encouraged to consider purchasing in advance. Arranging interment details in advance can ease the burden on family members when they are facing many decisions.
To Apply
Niche space may be reserved upon receipt of an application and the appropriate fee, payable to Webster Groves Presbyterian Church Memorial Garden. The Memorial Garden's procedures will be available for review. For an application or more information, contact the Jan Scheurer at 314-962-9210 x3206.
Fees
Fees include opening and closing of niches, in-ground interment, engraving of names, dates and any other costs associated with interment or memorialization.
- Niches: $2,500
- Burial: $1,500
- Pavers: $500
Additionally, there is a $500 fee for a second niche opening and engraving; and a $50 fee for engraving the date of death on a paver.
Procedures
Upon death, notify the church office or pastor of:
- Name of the deceased
- Service date and time request
- Exact name as it is to be engraved
- Dates of birth and death
- Name, address, phone number and relationship of the authorizing individual
Tax Deductibility
None of the fee for interment and maintenance is tax deductible. Memorial gifts and donations in support of the garden, including pavers, are deductible.
Refunds
Upon receipt, any payments to the Memorial Garden are committed to its maintenance, and no refunds will be given. A member who chooses to forgo interment after purchasing a niche may take a tax deduction on the full value.