The Downtown Presbyterian Church

        One of our unavoidable responsibilities is to make arrangements for our earthly remains when we pass from this life into the glory that God has offered us through Jesus Christ. Many people choose cremation, and an option for retaining the ashes of the loved one and honoring his or her life is to place them within a columbarium. A columbarium is a decorated and secure group of wall niches or cabinet dedicated to holding urns that contain the ashes.
        As a result of interest expressed by many members, our church has installed a 32-niche columbarium in the History Room. This location was chosen for obvious reasons - a serene, worshipful and historical place for loved ones to honor and pay respect to the cremated remains of those who have passed on.
        We consider this a dignified way consistent with Christian tradition. From earliest times Christians have buried their dead in churches. In the past, this honor was reserved for kings, heroes and noteables. Today, many churches in Nashville and across the country have extended this option to all members of their community through the use of columbaria. The small unit we have installed at the Downtown Presbyterian Church is considered a "start-up" unit and can be expanded as needed in the future.
        Please go by our History Room just off the sanctuary and see the beautiful columbarium. If you have questions or would like an application you may call the church office at 254-7584. The office will direct your questions to an appropriate session member.
        A niche may be purchased for $150.00 per space. This fee was determined by the actual cost of the columbarium. Each owner is responsible for the names on the plaques provided, and of course the cost of cremation.
        An application will be provided for ownership of niches in the columbarium on a first come, first served basis. Those who purchase niches will receive a Certificate of Ownership that documents their ownership.
        We hope that the columbarium's beauty and ministry to our people will be a benefit and a blessing. Hebrews 12:1 reminds Christians that our journey is lived "surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses"