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The dedication of our beautiful Memorial Gardens was on March 4th, 2001. Since that time the majority of the niches have been reserved, and many are occupied. The financing of the Gardens has been by generous donations and the reservation of the niches making the project self-supporting and independent of any church funds.
The entry area has one plaque to remember family members who are interred elsewhere and another to name those who have their ashes scattered in the Gardens.
In this sacred place you will find quiet and beauty and the presence of God. Do visit and experience the peaceful surroundings.
Memorial Garden and Columbarium Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Columbarium and how will it be established at our Church?
A Columbarium is a vault with niches for urns containing cremated remains. The Columbarium at Palma Ceia United Methodist Church will be established in the Memorial Garden north of the sanctuary with an entryway from the Courtyard. Phase I will comprise two vaults containing a total of 80 niches with accompanying landscaping.
Each niche will be designed to hold one or two standard-sized urns. The entryway will display two memorial plaques. One plaque will have name plates for deceased persons whose cremated remains have been scattered in the Garden. The other will have name plates for deceased persons who have been interred elsewhere or whose cremated remains have been scattered elsewhere and whose families wish to memorialize them in the Garden.
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Who may be a user of the Memorial Garden and Columbarium?
The users of the Memorial Garden and Columbarium will be members of the Church, their spouses and members of their immediate families. The Committee will be authorized to permit use by others for good cause.
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How will the Memorial Garden and Columbarium be financed?
The Memorial Garden and Columbarium will be financed by user fees and by voluntary contributions. Contributions for other than the cost of construction will be kept in perpetuity and only the earnings and growth used for maintenance. Florida Law requires that a church establishing a Columbarium shall insure that the Columbarium is perpetually kept and maintained in the manner prescribed by law.
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What will be the initial cost of the use of the Memorial Garden and Columbarium?
The cost of each niche in Phase I will be $1,000. Niches will be assigned on a "first come/first served" basis. The fee for the scattering of cremated remains and the accompanying name plate will be $300. The fee for the name plate for a deceased person not using the Memorial Garden will be $200. The fee for the second use of a niche and the accompanying name plate will be $200. On a case-by-case basis, the Committee will be authorized to reduce the reservation payment and fees for good cause.
After Phase I is completed, the reservation payments and fees will be subject to change from time to time as required by changing economic conditions. Phase I shall be completed upon commencement of Phase II construction.
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What is the structure, authority, and responsibility of the Memorial Garden and Columbarium Committee?
The Memorial Garden and Columbarium Committee will be appointed by the Board of Trustees and serve at its pleasure. Members will have staggered terms. The initial Committee is composed of Harry Orr, Chairman; Glenn S. Hooper, Jean Leone, Marjorie W. Millsap, Richard W. Reeves, Anne H. Smith and George D. Smith, Sr.
The committee will be charged with the responsibilities set forth in the Policies and Procedures prepared by the Committee and approved by the Board of Trustees. The Policies and Procedures shall include the construction and maintenance of the Memorial Garden and Columbarium, the setting of reservation payments and fees, the preservation of records for its use, and all other matters for the perpetual care of the Memorial Garden and Columbarium.
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What will each name plate contain?
Each name plate will contain only the full name, date of birth, and date of death of the deceased.
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What can I do if I want to support the Memorial Garden and Columbarium, but I have prior plans which would prohibit my use?
Your tax exempt contribution to the Memorial Garden and Columbarium Fund would be greatly appreciated. This Fund will be used to insure that the Memorial Garden and Columbarium is perpetually kept and maintained in keeping with the standards set by the Policies and Procedures and by applicable Florida Law.
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What should I do if I am interested in reserving a niche?
You should call the church office at 813-837-1541 and one of the committee members will contact you. After answering any questions you may have, an application will be sent to you. Upon receipt of your application and reservation payment, you may select your niche and receive a certificate designating the assigned niche.
You will not receive a deed, however, because the vaults and niches will always be the property of Palma Ceia United Methodist Church; you are simply making a reservation payment that entitles you to the perpetual use of the assigned niche.
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Other Opportunities
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