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The St. Boniface Columbarium
The word "columbarium" comes from two Latin words, "columb" and "arium," which mean dove and space, or dovecote. Ancient Romans used the words to describe a sepulcher, with niches for cinerary urns. Today a columbarium is a place for the ashes of the deceased. Cremation is a long-accepted practice in the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.
The Christian Church teaches that death is a part of the Christian journey and it should be faced with faith in the life of the resurrection. The Christian Church has shown reverent care of the dead, often providing its property for Christian burial. The columbarium at St. Boniface Church is devoted to the perpetual protection and care for the ashes of the deceased.
The St. Boniface columbarium invites solitary contemplation and meditation while also serving as a peaceful place to assemble. Theologically, burial in the church holds true to our belief in the community of saints, living and dead.
Research into a columbarium for St. Boniface began in 1993. In January of 1994, a gift of $5,000 was given with the provision that construction would begin within two years. In 1995, a further gift of $5,000 was received to continue this project. The vestry approved the side room off of the Cleaver Room to be the site for St. Boniface's columbarium.
The materials for the columbarium's 100 niches include painted cinder block and finished oak, with cover plates of black-veined white marble. Each niche accommodates either one or two urns. Specific information regarding cost and procedures may be obtained from the parish office or the Rector at (262) 242-2994.
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