Scarsdale Congregational Church Memory Garden Questions and Answers Our Governance

The Memory Garden

Questions

1. What is the Memory Garden?
2. How was the location of the Garden established?
3. How many cremains will the Garden house?
4. Will the location of cremains be marked?
5. Who may be a user of the Garden?
6. How much will it cost to use the Garden?
7. Who will have oversight of the Garden?
8. How will the cost of construction be financed?
9. What happens next?

Answers

1. What is the Memory Garden?

   The Memory Garden will provide a dedicated space for the placement of cremains (cremated remains) on Church property as well a place for remembrance and reflection.  The Garden will be located adjacent to the south side of the Sanctuary, and will consist of two distinct types of adjoining space.  One space will consist of a brick and stone paved terrace area containing, and defined by, low stone walls, decorative lattice, benches, and planting.  The stone walls will contain niches to allow for sealed placement of cremains within.  The second area will be “natural”; containing a stone path surrounded by a planted, landscaped, garden.  This area will provide for urns containing cremains placed directly into the earth.

   While the Garden will house cremains and be a place of quiet reflection, it is also anticipated that the it will be an “inviting” space, and one that can be used for other Church activities such as fair weather Sunday services, memorial services, and even coffee hours to name a few.  In part, the size of the brick / stone terrace area of the Garden was established to accommodate these functions. 

   The Garden also incorporates the entrance to the lower level of the Sanctuary and provides a relationship-by-proximity to the currently underused Eastman Chapel.  It is thought that this relationship may foster a renewed use for the Chapel perhaps with the Garden and the Chapel providing a valued synergy.
   

2. How was the location of the Garden established?

   
   Alternative locations for the Garden were discussed, and included: a portion of the lawn area across Heathcote Road; the lawn area in front of the Office Building, a portion of the current paved area behind the Sanctuary, and the lawn area near the five corners.  However, the selected area, immediately adjacent to the Sanctuary, appears to be the most appropriate for a number of reasons.  Siting the Garden as presented has a historical precedence in that more traditional burial grounds are, in many cases, located adjacent to the main house of worship.  Also, the proposed location is centrally located within the “heart” of the Church property, and away from the visual and audible noise generated from the surrounding public streets. 
   
   Yet the proposed Garden location is not without its shortcomings, principally; the vehicular drive connecting the rear parking lot to Heathcote Road by way of the Office Building and Parish House.  This drive is used regularly by service vehicles, Church members, and by the Nursery School for drop-off / pick-up.  While the submitted proposal retains and incorporates this drive, the committee struggled with this idea.  Initially, serious consideration was given to a plan that removed the pass-through drive.  This plan would have required fundamental changes as to how automobiles and service vehicles use the site.  Also, the committee received a letter from the Nursery School expressing their preference to keep the current drive.  Considering the greater impact of losing the access road, the committee decided to pursue the current option.  This option maintains the road, but it is designed such that access can be controlled (via a chain or gate) as the Church sees fit.
   
   Of note, a presentation of the Garden was made to the General Board on May 12, 2003.  One early, if not the first, question asked by the Board was why did the road pass through the Garden.  This prompted a discussion of the process described above, and the architects showing the earlier sketches they had produced.  As a result of this discussion, the Board directed the architects to present this alternative to the Congregation which includes a turn-about circle created at the rear of the Sanctuary (in front of the garage).  Other physical modifications would also likely be needed such as widening the entrance to Heathcote just north of the Sanctuary (to better allow two-way traffic), and some similar modifications to the Heathcote entrance adjacent to the Parish House.  Operationally, the most significant modifications would need to be made regarding the Nursery School pick-up / drop-off, and trash pick-up.  This remains an open issue, and input from the Congregation is thought to be essential.
   
   

3. How many cremains will the Garden house?

   
   At this relatively early phase of the project, the exact number has not been established.  However, the architects have projected that the current proposal could house between 100 and 300 placements (combined in-wall and in-earth).  In-earth and niche areas will be sized to accommodate two cremains.  Two primary factors account for this range, and they are: the number, length, and height of the stone walls, and; the nature, type, and density of the plant material.  With input from the Congregation, it is thought that a firm number will be established as the project goes forward.  Of note, the current design of the Garden lends itself to “phasing” whereas a lesser number of in-wall niches could be provided initially with more added later.
   
   

4. Will the location of cremains be marked?

   
   Two approaches are proposed; one for in-wall, and one for in-earth.  For in-wall cremains, small brass plaques can be placed.  These plaques will be of uniform size, material, finish, and will contain the name, and birth / death dates of the individual.  For in-earth placements, locations will be left unmarked as befitting the “natural” environment of this portion of the Garden.  However, the unmarked location of each cremains (or urn containing cremains) within the earth will be recorded in the master record maintained by the Church such that each unique placement is maintained in perpetuity.  Certificates of “occupancy” will be issued with relevant identity and location information designated.  Supplementing the unmarked in-earth placements, a common stone monument / marker is planned on which plaques, similar in size and detail to those described previously, can be placed in remembrance. 
   
   For individuals who have already made plans for burial elsewhere, or in honor of loved-ones already deceased, also proposed for the Garden is a similar stone monument / marker for placement of individual remembrance plaques.
   
   

5. Who may be a user of the Garden?

   
   The Garden will be available to all persons of our Church, including: members, former members, regular attendees, current / former clergy, and families of those noted.  It is the intention to also provide consideration to, and make allowances for, others not fitting the criteria described.  Review of all applications and a decision would rest with the Memory Garden Committee.  Similar to traditional cemeteries, “pre-purchasing” will be available, and space will be available on a “first come, first serve” basis. 
   
   

6. How much will it cost to use the Garden, and where will the funds go?

   
   A recommendation for the exact fee for use of the Garden has not been established, and this topic needs to be the subject of a larger discussion to determine what is appropriate for our Church.  For information, fees in similar gardens range from about $1,000 to $1,500 per placement.  Memorial plaques for cremains not placed in the Garden range between $300 and $500.  Typically, this is a one-time fee with no further, or retroactive, payments even if fees are raised at a later date.  Some churches offer “discounts” where two cremains (i.e. spouses) are made in one placement.  Also noted were policies that allowed for fee discounts based on special need / hardship with these decisions being made by the Memory Garden Committee.
   
   It is recommended that funds from user fees will be dedicated to the perpetual care of the Garden, and that the funds be kept in a separate, or separately tracked, account.  Depending on how the initial construction is funded (see number 8 below), this can mean a number of things.  Unless the Garden’s construction is fully and independently funded (via grant from the endowment funds or dedicated fund raising), it is anticipated that some portion of the user fees will go to repay the cost of construction, and a portion to the fund for continuing care.  If the Garden’s construction has been fully and independently funded (via a grant from the endowment funds or dedicated fund raising), it is anticipated that all fee funds will go to the continuing care fund.  As part of its duties, the Memory Garden Committee will annually evaluate and project the cost of that year’s care, as well as plan for any longer-term needs or possible expansion. 
   
   

7. Who will have oversight of the Garden?

   
   A committee, consisting of elected and appointed members, will oversee the Garden.  The committee will report to the General Board on policy / procedural issues, and to the Board of Trustees on fiscal issues.  Whether this is a new committee, or its duties are charged to an existing committee, has not been established, and input from the Congregation is sought as to which approach is better. 
   
   The committee will be responsible for establishing, enforcing, reviewing, and suggesting revisions to the policies and procedures governing the Garden.  The charge includes receiving / reviewing / acting on new applications, preserving the permanent records / financial accounting of the Garden, the care / maintenance of the Garden, and all other matters related to the perpetual care of Garden.
   
   

8. How will the cost of construction be financed?

   
   The current estimate for construction is about $189,000.  The architects have also provided a separate estimate of approximately $33,000 to provide a new bluestone walk and improved landscaping along Heathcote Road.  This scope is not required for the Garden to function, but the architect believes it would enhance the overall project.  Generally, three options are being considered, and they are:
   
   
   • A dedicated fund drive to raise the amount.
   • A grant from the endowment funds.
   • A “loan” from the endowment funds.
   
   At the General Board meeting on May 20, 2003, Head Trustee Peter Brandt presented a “Draft Memory Garden Finances” prospectus addressing options “B” and “C” above, and provides a range of “what if” scenarios.  For reference, this document is attached.  At this point, the committee has taken no position on the which option is the best, and believes that Congregational input is needed.
   
   

9. What happens next?

   
   That’s a really good question.  Thanks for asking.  Perhaps the best answer is we’re not sure.  A lot depends on the level of support of the Congregation.  Without support, this is it.  With support, open issues of procedure / policy / design that require Congregational input can be resolved, funds can be raised, pre-purchase reservations made, design and construction documents developed, bids can be received, construction can start, and the Garden realized.
   
   So, either way, make yourself heard.