The St. Francis by the Lake Columbarium
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for larger views
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 What is
a columbarium?
A columbarium is a
structure designed to hold the cremated remains of the
deceased in a consecrated area of the church or
surrounding grounds. The word columbarium comes from the
Latin and translates broadly as "dovecote," the
compartmented housing for doves.
In many churches the columbarium is a
collection of niches installed in the church walls. In
other churches, such as St. Francis by the Lake, the
columbarium is on the church grounds. Burial within a
church or in the adjacent churchyard maintains a long
tradition in Christianity.
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 The St.
Francis by the Lake Columbarium
The St. Francis' Garden
Columbarium is a cubiform structure of rose colored Texas
marble measuring about 29 by 54 inches at the base and it
is about 63 inches tall. It contains 104 niches. An urn
designed to fit each niche holds the ashes of one
individual. The cost of this urn is included in the price
of the niche and no other container is needed. Each niche
will be engraved with the name of the deceased and his or
her date of birth and death.
The columbarium is in a wooded area just
north of the church building. It is the final resting
place in the church home for parishioners and their
family members. As such it offers a place for prayer and
meditation, especially when family or friends gather for
worship or other church visits. The area surrounding the
columbarium has been landscaped to create a dignified
garden setting under sheltering oak trees. Perpetual care
will be provided.
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 What
about cremation?
Cremation,
which has a long history among many peoples, is practiced
today by a majority of the world's populations, either by
custom or law. The practice has grown slowly in the
United States, however. But as populations and urban
areas have burgeoned, burial space has become
increasingly restricted. The early churchyard burial
ground has given way to cemeteries that are a distance
from church and home. Even now, land shortages, land use
restrictions and health considerations are forestalling
the establishment of new cemeteries in some areas. Within
the Episcopal faith, the National Church supports
cremation. When our earthly bodies are no longer needed,
they may be laid to rest in any respectful manner. In
death as in life, we remain in God's hands.
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Procedures
for cremation
At the time of death (preferably
earlier), arrangements for cremation can be made with a
funeral director who will counsel family members on
procedures. The five crematories in San Antonio are
located in cemeteries, not in mortuaries. State law now
requires a properly drawn declaration by the individual
stating his or her wishes for cremation. This document
can be part of a will, or given to the individual(s) who
will make final arrangements. If the declaration is not
completed before death, approval for cremation will be
required from the closest next of kin.
The
funeral service
The funeral
service for cremation is the same as for cemetery burial,
and is found in the Book of Common Prayer. Committal of
the ashes may be part of the service, or may be conducted
privately at another time if the family prefers.
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The
Columbarium Trust
A Columbarium Trust,
appointed by the vestry, manages the funds for the
columbarium and ensures its maintenance. A portion
of the purchase price for each niche is reserved for
perpetual care. The Trust has determined that no
materials other than the container and its ashes shall be
placed inside the vault, and no adornments such as
flowers, flags or other ornaments shall be placed
outside, except as provided by the church.
The St. Francis' Garden
Columbarium vaults are now available. For information
about purchase for parishioners and family members,
please call the church office, 830-964-3820 St. Francis
by the Lake Episcopal Church.
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St.
Francis by the Lake Episcopal Church
13250 Highway 306 @ Spring Mountain Dr.
P. O. Box 2031
Canyon Lake, TX 78133
Office: (830)964-3820 Fax: (830)964-3815
Office Hours: Mon - Fri 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Rev. Jerry Sneary, Rector
email: francis@gvtc.com
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Send mail to Linda Hillin with questions or comments
about this web site.
Last modified: September 15,
2005
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