MEMORIAL GARDEN

Algood United Methodist Church recently expanded its ministry to include a Memorial Garden. Facing Main Street just east of the sanctuary, it provides a serene and beautiful place to commit the cremated remains of deceased members of Algood UMC. Hence, it gives an option to those who wish to be cremated. The real blessing is that our final resting place will be on the campus of the church we love.

For over two years, the Memorial Garden Committee and other interested individuals researched, visited other church memorial gardens, planned, wrote articles, presented explanations, gave of our time and money. We also experienced the generosity of God’s people beyond our church family. One surprising incident stands out. Searching for just the right flagstones for the garden pathway introduced us to Avery York, the owner of a stone supply business. Finding the stones we had been looking for, we asked the cost. Mr. York responded, “God has been good to me. There will be no charge.” What a blessing!

Surrounded by shrubbery and flowers, the garden contains a memorial wall to recognize those interred elsewhere as well as those who have their cremated remains scattered in the garden. Another stone structure, a columbarium, has niches each holding two urns-enough space for two remains. Both structures have granite plaques for names and dates.

For information about niches, scattering or memorializing, please call the church office at 931-537-6111.