Historic Church Cremorial
What is a cremorial?
A cremorial is primarily a place to inter ashes after a cremation has taken place, and subsequently to memorialize that person. Our cremorial is organized into a number of square Openings; each Opening contains two rectangular Niches. A traditional use is for a husband and wife to buy an Opening, intending to use one Niche each when the time comes. However, single Niches may also be purchased, and any two eligible persons may share an Opening.
In the beginning...
The need for a cremorial surfaced during 2005. An ad hoc committee was formed to investigate the idea, and how it might be implemented. There were some cremorials locally that were visited, and these helped crystalize the plan. Their associated churches provided valuable insight into what to do - and what not to do. With a design in mind, the committee contacted suppliers and contractors to evaluate feasibility and costs. By early 2006, a proposal was ready. Supported by the Historic Church Committee, and with the approval of the Board of Trustees, the Session voted in favor and work could begin.
On June 4, 2006, our first cremorial was dedicated by our former pastors Rev. G. W. "Blake" Blakesley and Rev. Roberta "Bobbie" Arrowsmith. The congregation responded and quickly purchased most of the openings. A second one - identical to the first - was built alongside it, and we now have added a third, which was completed in April 2018 and stands ready for use.
Our cremorials are for our congregation
Any member of our congregation may purchase a niche (or an opening) for themselves, other family members, or another congregation member. Additionally a non-member may purchase space on behalf of a member. Space has also been purchased solely as a memorial, with no intention of ever interring ashes.
A purchase for someone who is not a member of our congregation (or the spouse, partner or child of a member) requires Session approval for each individual case. The terms under which our cremorials are operated only allow memorialization and interment of humans - pets, etc. are not permitted.
Openings and Niches
As mentioned above, our cremorials are divided up into a number of square openings, each of which contains two niches.
Shown left is a typical layout for an opening. The single bronze plate covering the entire opening has the family name and the names of the two persons for whom the niches were purchased. This layout is known as a TriScroll. Beneath the name of each person are locations for two plates which are intended for the birth and death dates. The whole assembly is made of high quality weather resistant bronze and secured by tamper-resistant screws. The high relief cast lettering is designed to withstand centuries of weather, and is believed to be more weather resistant than carved stone.
Within the opening, each one of the niches accepts a purpose designed durable container for the ashes. These containers feature non-removable lids and once inserted into the niche they cannot be removed.
Location
The cremorials are located towards the back of the graveyard at the Historic Church on North Sycamore Street. The location is indicated by the gray shaded box on the map, left.
Follow the path back from the church through the churchyard. When you reach the low wall at the rear go left over the grass. The cremorials are under the trees. There are benches for your use if you wish to sit.
Availability
The first cremorial - nearest the footpath from the church - is fully occupied. The third - farthest from the path - is fully available (as of October, 2018). There are still a few spaces available in the second cremorial. When looking at one of the cremorials please be aware that some people have purchased space but did not want their names displayed until that space was in use. Therefore not all blank niches and openings may be available.
Should there be unallocated niches and openings near a space you have selected we are unable to place restrictions on who may or may not use those spaces. Spaces are available to all eligible persons. If you wish to select a group of spaces - for example for your family - then these should all be purchased at the same time.
Finding out more
If you are interested in finding out about the cremorial in greater detail, or if you may be interested in purchasing space, please contact the church office. They will put you in contact with the person currently handling cremorial matters.
25 North Chancellor Street
Newtown, PA 18940
