The Columbarium is governed by the Siasconset Union Chapel's Board of Trustees. The columbarium provides a dignified repository for the cremated remains of individuals who are regular participants of the protestant or catholic congregations who wish to be a part of sacred life at the Chapel.
The Memorial Gardens surrounding the Columbarium create a tranquil setting for reflection and remembrance, offering comfort to families and friends who come to honor their loved ones. The gardens are carefully maintained throughout the seasons, providing a beautiful natural sanctuary within our Chapel grounds.
There are two Columbarium Gardens as follows:
Each double niche provides space for two persons, normally related. The administrator reserves the right to make exceptions. The East Garden niche numbers 1 through 37 openings measure 9 x 9 inches. The remainder of the East Garden niches 38-72 and all of the West Garden niche openings measure 12 x 12 inches. The larger niches may hold three Chapel-issued urns at the discretion of the administrator.
Niche Reservations
A niche space may be requested by letter or email for individuals age 40 years or older or a deceased partner, parent, or child who meet the following qualifications: a present or former regular attendee at services at the Chapel, and a present or former donor to the Chapel who has maintained a permanent or seasonal tie of at least 5 years. Non-resident regular worshippers, who meet attendance and donor requirements, may qualify.
Upon approval, a check made out to the Siasconset Union Chapel, is sent to the Columbarium administrator. Qualified candidates will work with the administrator to assign a niche number. A meeting can be arranged with the administrator in the gardens to choose a niche. The cost of each half niche is currently $3,000. Please note that half niches are only offered in circumstances where the other half niche has already been reserved. An acknowledgement letter will be sent for the purchaser's records.
Interments
A separate interment fee will be required prior to interment but may not be prepaid. The interment fee covers costs associated with a Chapel-issued urn, plaque, and opening & resealing of the niche. The current interment fee is $1,200. A standard bronze name plaque will be affixed to the slate-top covering the niche. Creation of the plaque can take up to 6 weeks. Each plaque has the full name, and dates of birth and death. Titles, nicknames and other wording are not permitted. The interment should be scheduled with the administrator and the Chapel scheduler.
Niche Top Rules
No installation or placement of memorabilia such as photos, flora, crucifixes, adornments or appointments will be permitted except with the approval of the Chapel Board. On a temporary basis flowers in shallow holders may remain for no longer than 10 days following interment.
Niche Transfers
Reserved niches may not be sold or transferred to other parties by the person reserving the niche. Exceptions must be approved by the Board of Directors.
An additional option for direct in-ground interment of ashes is available in the West Garden. The Stele granite structure is located on the left at entrance to the West Garden. Applicants for the Stele option will meet the same qualifications noted for standard Columbarium niches, noted above. The reservation fee is $500. Because of limited space, positioning on the Stele cannot be reserved.
The current interment fee for this option is $1,200, which includes a plaque on the Stele and in-ground placement of ashes.
There is also a pet columbarium. For details may be found in a separate space in the West Garden. Alternatively, it is kept at the Chapel. Contact the Columbarium administrator for more information.
Robert Felch, Columbarium Administrator
PO Box 339, Siasconset, MA 02564
(774) 236-9517
rdfelch@gmail.com
Payments are to be paid by check and made out to Siasconset Union Chapel and sent to the administrator at the address noted below. There are no annual fees but donations to the Chapel Columbarium for upkeep are always welcome.
Should the above costs cause hardship or distress to someone who wishes to be interred in the columbarium, he or she may contact the Columbarium administrator or the minister. The Board of Trustees will make a final decision.
For questions and more information about the Columbarium and Memorial Gardens, please contact:
Robert Felch, Columbarium Administrator
PO Box 339, Siasconset, MA 02564
(774) 236-9517
rdfelch@gmail.com
For Interment scheduling, please contact both the Columbarium administrator and the Chapel Reservationist.