Columbarium
A Beautiful and Sacred Space to Remember Loved Ones.
For centuries, Christian communities have had cemeteries connected to them. These burial grounds have created beautiful spaces to remember loved ones, simplify burial logistics, and allow congregations to honor the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before them.
Columbarium
For congregations in cities and suburbs, these kinds of traditional cemeteries haven’t always been possible. Columbaria — walls with niches designed to hold cremation urns—have become a meaningful alternative, offering the same sense of sacred continuity in a smaller footprint.
St. Philip the Deacon’s Columbarium is located on the north side of the church, just outside the Chapel entrance. It currently holds 200 niches, each with a black Cambrian black granite door engraved with the name and dates of those inurned there. A second wall, with the capacity for an additional 200 niches, can be added in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a columbarium?
A columbarium is a structure that serves as a dignified final resting place for cremains. Christians have honored their loved ones in churchyard settings for centuries, and St. Philip the Deacon’s columbarium continues that tradition, offering a peaceful place connected to the life and community of the church.
Is cremation an acceptable practice in the Lutheran Church?
Yes. Cremation is in harmony with the church’s oft-repeated reminder that “from dust you came and to dust you shall return.”
Where is the columbarium located?
On the north side of the building, connected to the exterior west wall of the Sanctuary and outside the Chapel entrance. The columbarium is outdoors and may be visited at any time.
Who can purchase a niche?
Niches are available to current and former members of St. Philip the Deacon and their immediate family. Non-members may also apply at the discretion of the church.
How big is a niche, and how much does it cost?
Each niche is 8 x 8 inches and can accommodate two urns. A niche for two urns is $3,750; a single-urn niche is $2,750. Prices may increase over time. For context, this is typically less expensive than two traditional gravesite burials when all associated costs are considered.
What does the cost include?
The niche itself, your choice of location, ongoing maintenance of the site, and administration of records. At the time of death, families pay separately for the urn and niche inscription. Cremation and memorial service costs are not included.
How many niches can I purchase, and can I choose the location?
You may purchase as many niches as needed. Families sometimes choose adjacent niches, and you may select your preferred location from whatever is available at the time of your application.
How do I purchase a niche?
Review the Policies and Procedures, then submit an application with payment. You’ll receive a Niche Permit confirming payment and niche location for your records. Note that this permit is a license to use the niche and does not convey real property ownership.
Must I use a particular funeral home or cremation society?
No — arrangements may be made with any provider. We do encourage you to make use of a funeral home’s services for the memorial service itself.
Who will preside over the inurnment?
A pastor of St. Philip the Deacon.
What appears on the niche inscription?
The name and birth and death dates of the person inurned.
What decorations may be placed at the niche?
In order to preserve the beauty and sanctity of the space, no decorations are permitted. Any items placed at the niche will be removed by the church.
What if I change my mind or no longer need the niche?
If no inurnment has taken place, the church may repurchase the niche at its discretion for 80% of the original purchase price. Additional questions about modifications to your Niche Permit, including updating the names of designated persons, are addressed in the Policies and Procedures document.
Christian Wisdom
“Kindness is the only strength there is.”
Gregory Boyle
