Christ Episcopal Church

                                                                                               Memorial Garden

                                                                                        Sparta, North Carolina

                                                                                          Policies and Regulations

Allocation of Plots and Niches: Plots and niches are available for assignment to the church members and the community at large.

Applicants may request specific plots or niches either individually or in groups. If a group is requested, a separate application must be filled out for each.

Prices: There is a fee for burial in any space. The fee or a percentage of the fee will be placed in a Perpetual Care Fund.

The current fee schedule is as follows:

                           Single interment of cremains in plot:       $500/member       $1000/nonmember

                         Double interment of cremains in plot:      $750/members      $1500/nonmembers

        Single inurnment of cremains in columbarium:      $750/member        $1500/nonmember

      Double inurnment of cremains in columbarium:    $1200/members      $2200/nonmembers

                     Scattering of ashes in memorial garden:      $100/member          $200/nonmember

The holder of a certificate for a single plot or niche who wishes to upgrade to a double plot or niche shall pay the difference between

        (a) the then current price for a double niche, and

        (b) the price initially paid by the holder for the single niche.

Books and Records: The Parish Administrator shall be the Custodian of all Books and Records of the Memorial Garden and Columbarium, including all Certificates of Assignment of plots and niches. Such records shall include a chart or diagram designating by number each plot and niche.

The Parish Administrator shall receive applications for the assignment of plots or niches on a first come- first served basis. Applications shall be completed in writing on the form approved by the Vestry. It shall be the duty of the Parish Administrator, in consultation with the Vestry to determine that applications for assignment are in proper order.

Transfer of Plots or Niches: The right to interment is personal and is retained only by the person(s) designated on the Certificate of Assignment. Upon approval by the Vestry of the church, the transfer of Certificates of Assignment of plots or niches may occur by will, intestate succession, gift or otherwise. The church has no obligation to approve a transfer. The church has no obligation to reclaim a plot or niche, although the Parish Administrator will endeavor to re-issue plots or niches upon written request and upon approval by the Vestry.

                                                                           In-ground Interment of Ashes

In-ground gravesite dimensions will be one foot by one foot by three feet deep. The opening is sized to accommodate the container of ashes, which is not to exceed seven and one half (7 ½) inches in width and length and height. A container for the ashes is required for interment.  However vaults cannot be accommodated.

Markers: for the in-ground burials will be polished granite of uniform size (12” x12”) and color, as designated by the Vestry. Each marker will be set flush with the ground.

Inscriptions will be carved upon the markers. Inscriptions shall be limited to the name of the deceased, the month, day and year of birth, and the month, day and year of death. In case of double occupancy interment, both names and dates will be on a single unpolished granite marker. The Church will assist in contracting for the stone marker and carving, but the cost for the marker and carving of inscription will be billed to the space holder or estate directly by the supplier. Due to space constraints, epitaphs are not possible.

Modifications and Decorations: No artificial flowers may be placed on plots or niches. Flesh flowers may be placed on burial spaces at anytime. Plot markers and niche covers shall be inscribed in a uniform manner approved by the Vestry. Modifications are prohibited.

                                                                                      Columbarium Spaces

Containment of Cremains in Columbarium: Because of the design of the niches, a maximum of two persons’ cremains may be inurned in a niche. All cremains deposited in a niche shall be enclosed in a container included with purchase of niche. Inscription of the marker will be carved when the space is used. Inscriptions shall be limited to the name of the deceased, the month, day and year of birth, and the month, day and year of death. In case of double occupancy interment, both names and dates will be on a single marker. The Church will assist in contracting for the engraving, but the cost for engraving of inscription will be billed to the space holder or estate directly by the supplier. Due to space constraints, epitaphs are not possible.

                                                                                            Scattering of Ashes

The scattering of ashes in the Christ Episcopal Church Memorial Garden is available for the disposition of ashes. Inscription of the name, date of birth and date of death will be provided on a wall in the garden. The Church will assist in contracting for the inscription, but the cost will be billed to the space holder or estate directly by the supplier. Due to space constraints, epitaphs are not possible.

                                                                                             Other Policies

Performance of Services of Burial: Only the Rector of Christ Episcopal Church or an ordained minister approved by the Rector shall be authorized to place cremains in a plot or niche or for a scattering of ashes. A Committal Service must be held.  Only the ashes of the cremated human dead will be interred at Christ Episcopal Church Memorial Garden and Columbarium.

Right to Remove Cremains and Niche Covers: The Church retains the absolute right, in its discretion, to remove containers of cremains, niches and niche covers and to relocate all or part of the columbarium (including niches) as it may deem necessary or advisable.

Opening of Niches or Inground Cremains: Except as provided above, a niche or plot may be opened only written request of a proper person, upon a showing of good cause, as authorized by the Vestry, and only upon the payment to the Church of all expenses associated with such opening. All such openings shall be documented in the records maintained for the Memorial Garden and Columbarium.

Memorial Books will be kept in the church office, giving names and dates of those interred in all interment areas.

A Perpetual Maintenance Fund has been established and Christ Episcopal Church will be responsible for the care of the burial grounds. Monies in this fund come from fees received for each space as well as gifts and memorials designated for this purpose.

Applicability of Policies and Regulations: All holders of certificates as well as all other persons with direct interest in the Memorial Garden shall be subject to these policies and regulations and any amendments thereto.

Release: All holders of certificates, on behalf of themselves, their heirs, successors and assigns, release the Church from any and all liabilities arising as a result of unauthorized removal of cremains or vandalism of niches, plots, and their contents.

Amendments: Amendments to these policies and regulations may be made only upon approval of a majority vote of the Vestry at a regular or special meeting of such Vestry.



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