Columbarium

Information about the Columbarium at St. Andrew’s

You may also download this information as a PDF.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a columbarium?

A columbarium is a structure, often a vault or wall, with niches for the cremated remains of the dead.

Who is eligible to purchase the right to inter ashes in the Columbarium?

Parish members of St. Andrew’s Church Mt. Pleasant, members of the immediate family of parish members, and, with the approval of the Rector and/or The St. Andrew’s Church Mt. Pleasant Land Trust, former parish members and friends of the parish may have their cremated remains placed (inurned) within the St. Andrew’s Columbarium. St. Andrew’s Church Mt. Pleasant membership is defined as a baptized person whose name is entered on the rolls of the church, who is a giver of record for at least one year before making application are eligible to purchase a Certificate of Right of Inurnment in the Columbarium. All designees should be of a spousal, parental, or offspring relationship.

Once a Certificate is purchased for the inurnment of a particular individual’s cremains, the selected niche must be used for that person. This Certificate is not transferable without the approval of the Rector or Land Trust.

Purchase of a Certificate of Right of Inurnment of cremated remains in the St. Andrew’s Land Trust’s Columbarium or Memorial Garden does not constitute purchase or ownership of land or property or property rights therein. All land within and around the Columbarium and Gardens will remain the property of the Land Trust.

How were the prices for inurnment determined?

The prices were established based on a careful and thoughtful analysis of a number of factors, including, construction and maintenance costs and comparable local alternatives. Prices are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Land Trustees.

Is some portion of the purchase price of a niche tax deductible?

Not likely. Check with your tax advisor.

Will there be extra costs at inurnment?

Yes. At the time of each inurnment, prior to the opening of the niche, the Certificate Holder agrees to pay to have the bronze plaque cast with the name, birth and death dates of the person’s remains that are inurned in the niche. To ensure consistency of size and quality, the casting is provided by a third party. Currently, the plague costs $375 per inurnment. The Land Trust reserves the right to increase this price, should the third-party increase its prices in the future.

May I specify a desired niche location?

Yes. Niches are selected and assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Upon payment of the Certificate of Right of Inurnment, the purchaser may specify by Section and Number a desired niche or niches and will receive a signed certificate authorizing use of the specified niche.

What personal identification appears on the bronze plaque?

Only the name, and the birth and death dates, of each person inurned will be inscribed on the bronze niche plaque. For uniformity, the Land Trust has specified the style and size of these inscriptions and has designated the firm authorized to create them. All arrangements of inscriptions are made through the Church Office, with the cost to be paid by the family or estate of the deceased. No other form of inscription, marker, or monument, or any floral decoration will be allowed.

Is some portion of the purchase price counted toward my annual giving to St. Andrew’s Church?

No. No reference will appear on your St. Andrew’s Church quarterly statement of giving.

What if I buy a “Certificate of Right of Inurnment”, and then eventually decide to make arrangements for inurnment someplace else? May I get a refund, or resell my Certificate?

If, because of changes in personal circumstances, you no longer wish to inurn the ashes of an individual in the St. Andrew’s Church Columbarium, and you have purchased a Certificate of Right of Inurnment, you may request, and receive a refund, less 20% of the purchase price, from St. Andrew’s Church Land Trust. A certificate may not be resold without the written consent of the St. Andrew’s Church Land Trust.

Is St. Andrew’s Church pledging to tend the Columbarium in perpetuity?

As long at St. Andrew’s Church and The St. Andrew’s Church Land Trust exists, it will care for the Columbarium, the ashes inurned and the memorial markers.

What type of flowers, plants or decorations may I place on the niche?

Individual plantings in the Columbarium or Garden are not permitted. The use of any ornamentation on or near any niche is prohibited except as follows:

Cut flowers, live plants, and seasonal wreaths may be displayed at the Table under the Cross for one week after the inurnment, provided they are tastefully presented, properly cared for, and conform to the natural décor of the Columbarium as a whole. Any decorations placed at any other time will be removed.

How will the Columbarium be administered?

The Trustees of St. Andrew’s Church Mt. Pleasant Land Trust and the Rector of St. Andrew’s will administer the Columbarium.

What records will be maintained?

Each niche location reserved for an inurnment, and the date and location within the Columbarium of each actual inurnment, will be recorded on a master grid chart of the Columbarium maintained in the Land Trust Office. The Land Trust Office also will keep a record of the personal information of each person inurned, and information on memorial and other gifts designated specifically for the Columbarium.

What if a family wishes the remains or partial remains of more than two people be placed in a single niche?

Each niche is large enough to accommodate two human cremains. It is the policy of the church not to add or mix any remains beyond this.

I’m single, and I’ve purchased a Certificate of Right of Inurnment for a single inurnment. If my personal circumstances change, what do I need to do to make my niche accommodate what was originally a single inurnment is now a double inurnment? Do I pay the difference between a single and a double inurnment? Or, what if I had originally purchased a “Certificate” for a double inurnment and my personal circumstances have changed. I now wish to provide for the inurnment of one instead of two. Do I receive a refund?

The church is sensitive to the fact that personal needs and circumstances of parishioners can and do change. For example, if the “Certificate” was originally purchased for one inurnment, and now need is for it to accommodate two inurnments, the purchaser would simply pay the difference between the price of a single inurnment and a double inurnment. On the other hand, if a “Certificate” is purchased for a double inurnment and, due to personal circumstances, such as a divorce, and now a single inurnment is required, a refund will be issued for the difference to the Certificate Holder, designated family member or authorized representative less any administrative fee.

There are a limited number of niches. How will St. Andrew’s accommodate those of future generations who wish to be interred here?

In the experience of other parishes with columbariums, this problem may be more theoretical than real. Over the years, many parishioners will decide to be buried or inurned in family plots elsewhere. We designed our Columbarium as part of a master plan, which initially includes 192 niches and provides for the construction of additional niche sections. This would add another 484 niches for the future

Why doesn’t the Land Trust convey an estate or tenancy in real estate with a niche?

If St. Andrew’s Church Mt. Pleasant Land Trust were to convey an estate or tenancy in real estate, this would mean that title to our land would be encumbered with each estate or tenancy. If we ever wished to use the Land Trust as collateral for a mortgage, for example, this would involve gathering the signature of all the niche holders or their heirs on a subordination agreement or other legal document.

Will visitors have access to the Columbarium outside of regular Church hours (e.g., Saturdays or evenings)?

Yes. The Columbarium is not locked. Visitors are invited to enter, walk around, find a quiet place to sit down and pray whenever they wish. Stone benches are available; however, we ask that children not be allowed to play in the garden or on the Columbarium.

What is the process to purchase a Certificate of Right of Inurnment?

Brochures are available in the Church Office and on the St. Andrew’s Church Mt. Pleasant website. Read the Columbarium Rules and Regulations carefully, complete the application for Certificate of Right of Inurnment at the end of the brochure (excluding the niche location), and contact the Church Office (Office@StAndrews.Church or 843.284.4310) to make an appointment to meet with the Executive Assistant to the Rector or designated Land Trust person who will help complete the form. Once the Land Trust receives the completed application and payment, a niche can be selected and niche bronze plaque lettering can be finalized.

How may I obtain more information?

If you have other questions, or would like additional information on the Columbarium at St. Andrew’s Church Mt. Pleasant Land Trust, please contact the Land Trust Office at 843.284.4347.