Trinity Columbarium

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39

What Is a Columbarium?

A columbarium is a vault with niches for urns containing ashes of the deceased.

The columbarium is a modern answer to the church graveyard and is an accepted form of celebrating the lives and preserving the memory of loved ones.

The Trinity Columbarium is an innovative addition to our church. It reflects and reinforces the Church's faith in resurrection and eternal life. It provides a beautiful and tasteful repository for the cremains of our members and their families and is an appropriate alternative to Christian in-ground burial.

Location

The Trinity Church Columbarium is located adjacent to the Atrium. Thus, your cremains will be with your church and the church of your family and friends.

Reserving a Niche

A niche may be reserved for one or two persons by applying and paying the designated fee. Upon acceptance of your application, you will receive your Certificate of Reservation.

The faceplate of the niche will be engraved with your surname at the time of acceptance.

Inurnment

Inurnment at the Trinity Columbarium refers to the placement of a crematory urn in a niche.

Arrangements for cremation and the placement of cremated remains in an urn will be the responsibility of the Funeral Director employed by the family in conjunction with Trinity Church.

What is the cost of having my remains placed in the Columbarium?

The cost of inurnment for members is currently $1800 per person or $3000 for a married couple occupying the same niche. The current cost for non-members is $2,500 per person or $4,000 for a married couple occupying the same niche. Upon payment of the inurnment fee you will be given a Certificate of Reservation, which sets forth your right to space in the Columbarium.

The cost of engraving the individual's name and dates of birth and death is included.

The cost of inurnment is independent of funeral and cremation services.

After I pay the inurnment fee what do I receive?

You will receive a Certificate of Reservation and diagram indicating where your niche is located.

Can I choose the location of my niche?

Yes, you may designate the location of your niche assuming the location has not been previously purchased.

Who makes the arrangements for engraving?

Trinity will make arrangements for any engraving. No permanent engraving may be performed prior to death. The Columbarium Committee will establish who will provide the engraving and the content of the engraving.

Can the cremains of more than one person occupy a niche?

Yes, up to two persons may be inurned in a niche. For example, a husband and wife may occupy one niche.

Who may be inurned in the Trinity Columbarium?

Inurnments have to be in accordance with New Jersey law. Currently, any past or present member of Trinity or any member of that individual's family along with any other members of the Presbyterian Church (USA) who have had close ties with Trinity may be inurned in the Columbarium. The Columbarium Committee decides if the application and inurnment would be permitted in accordance with New Jersey law.

Are there any maintenance charges?

No, Trinity will pay for the cost of maintenance of the Columbarium.

When is Columbarium be open for visitors?

The Columbarium is open during regular worship hours. Also, the Columbarium will usually be open during the normal business hours of the church (Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 4:00pm). In addition, the Columbarium may be open upon request as long as such time is convenient to the church.

Suppose I purchase a Columbarium niche and then change my mind. Can I get a refund of my money?

No, the money that you have paid to Trinity will be donated to Trinity.

Can I sell or give my space to another person?

No, you cannot sell or assign your space.

May I place flowers or another remembrance in the Columbarium?

Yes, at the time of the inurnment a floral arrangement may be placed in the Columbarium at the cost of the deceased’s family. At other times you may place floral or other items in the Columbarium with the consent of the Columbarium Committee.

I am interested. What is my next step?

Contact the church office at 865-428-2050 and they will send you an application along with a copy of the Policies, Rules and Regulations of the Trinity Columbarium for you to review. (You can also access these items using the links below.) If you decide to make arrangements for your cremains to be placed in the Columbarium, complete the application and return it with a check made payable to Trinity Presbyterian Church (USA) Columbarium. Upon acceptance of your application, a member of the Columbarium Committee will contact you and, at that time, you may designate your niche and be given your Certificate of Reservation.