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.