The Consistory granted permission to the Columbarium Committee during the winter of 2008 to provide information to you on the proposed Columbarium Gardens to be installed at the church.  A columbarium is a structure designed for the purpose of holding and memorializing cremated remains and we have chosen Infinity Memorial Systems Mid-Atlantic as our partner in this project. Bill Robertson is our representative and will be assisting us through every step of the process. 

If you would like additional information about the Columbarium Project or if you would like to provide feedback to the committee please click here.

Please take a moment to review the information included with this letter.  We are confident that you will be pleased with the multiple benefits that this project will provide to you and your loved ones:

            •            A permanent resting place for our members in the church
            •            Lasting legacy for your family and you
            •            A dignified, cost effective program providing significant savings when acquiring your niche
                           prior to the time of need
            •            A familiar location for family members to visit
            •            Peace-of-mind pre-planning
            •            Financial support of critical church programs
            •            A tax deductible contribution may be utilized

At this point in the process, we are taking “reservations” for niches. Once we determine the actual number of people interested we will go back to the Consistory for their approval to break-ground and start the construction of the columbarium. After obtaining this approval, we will then start a  60-day promotional sales program started with a presentation by Bill Robertson, our IMS consultant.  He, along with members of our Columbarium Committee, will be available to answer your additional questions and help you with the purchase of niches.

Please feel free to contact any of us directly with questions, comments and concerns plus we are offering a comment box, located on the landing on top of the glass case for anyone interested in sharing their thoughts and opinions on this project anonymously.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Rev. Charles Stickley,   Pastor Emeritus                    Lisa Longto, Chairperson

Proposed Layout for Phase I

Research is underway to add a simple fountain.

• Cost for Phase I:

            Engineering drawings and advice (donated by Larios)
            Excavation and drainage system for Nursery School wall,  2 ft base plus planters, built of stone/concrete,
                & 12' x 12' patio built from pavers (cost may be less if stone donated by Herzogs)
                (labor donated by Matt Sirni) (2 benches donated by the Youth Group)….….…$4,000.00
            108 niches @ $310/niche plus Perpetual Care $125/niche = $435/niche  …. ……$46,980.00
            Software for maintaining records……………………….......................................….$500.00
            Fountain = unknown cost/ only an estimate……………..................................……$3,000.00
                        Total            ……………………………………...............................…..$54,480.00.

• Funds Available:

            Memorials (to be approved by the Consistory) = ……................……….approx. $23,500.00
            Sales of Initial 15 niches ($1000 ea min.) = ………….................…………..……$15,000.00
                                    ……………………………………….............…………………$38,500.00
            Funds to be raised by additional niche sales ........……...........……………………$16,000.00
            Additional funds will be generated starting with the sale of the 33rd niche
            Possible funds generated .......................…………………………………………$75,000.00

Program Benefits for Hurley Reformed Members*

The church can now offer our members the following services and benefits to ease their emotional and financial burdens:
            •            Arrange funeral and cremation details in advance
            •            Significantly reduce the cost of interment services
            •            Memorialization in the church’s columbarium
            •            Partial tax deduction on your investment

The church program provides members a niche and a memorial plaque in its columbarium.  The cost of securing these essential items is significantly lower than through traditional sources – as much as 70% less expensive.  Expenses to your family at the time of need will also be reduced because the church will arrange for cremation through a local provider that offers a group discount to our members.

By reserving your space in advance you will receive an additional pre-need discount and you will be supporting the establishment of this important church program.

Services                       Church Program            Church             Typical charges
                                    price if purchased          Pre-Need         through other providers at time of need
Niche                           $1200.00                      $1000.00         $1,600.00
Urn                                $200.00**                    $200.00**       $ 450.00
Memorial Plaque            included                          included           $175.00
Engraving                         $75.00**                      $75.00**        $175.00
Niche Opening
& Closing                     included                            included            $150.00
Perpetual Care             $125.00                         $125.00             ?
Urn Filling                    $175.00**                     $175.00**           $250.00
Cremation                    per your funeral home/crematory**

* Non-member purchases will be set at a higher price and will need to be approved by the  Columbarium Committee in consultation with the Pastor.
** Cremation, plate engraving, urn and urn filling are paid for at time of need.  These costs will be higher if services are purchased at funeral homes other than our Service Provider, Carr Funeral Home.

Price for Church Program niches and services are shown in 2008 dollars, all prices are approximate.

Frequently Asked Questions

 How many people are interested?        15 people have shown genuine interest to date

Who will maintain it?      Structure will be essentially maintenance free. Grounds will have to be maintained by hiring someone using the additional funds generated, when we get to that point. (Items including flowers may not be placed within the columbarium area, neither temporarily or permanently, without the written authorization of the Columbarium Committee.)

Who runs the program?    The columbarium is owned by the Hurley Reformed Church and the Consistory has final approval on all aspects of the program. An adhoc committee (Columbarium Committee) will be represented at Consistory unless the Consistory deems the need to create a permanent committee.

Will there be funerals during Nursery School hours?       Yes, just as there are now and the teachers will be advised.

Who will keep the records?     The Columbarium Committee will set up the software system and church secretary can maintain the records.

Do we need additional insurance to cover this area?     A possible rider on our insurance policy, research to be done.

What is the cost?      The Columbarium Committee has to determine the final cost to you. See attached.  Urns already in the columbarium would be transferred to the new location where continued memorialization would be provided. Those having purchased a Right of Interment would have the option to be inurned at the new location.            All costs are approximate.

What about the funeral home cost?       Carr Funeral Home is the official Service Provider for urn purchases, urn filling and memorial plate engraving.  Should you choose another funeral home for final arrangements, please have them contact Carr to make arrangements to have the urn filled and plate engraved.  Costs for these products and services will be discounted if you choose Carr for your funeral arrangements.  Urns already in the columbarium would be transferred to the new location where continued memorialization would be provided. Those having purchased a Right of Interment would have the option to be inurned at the new location.

What is perpetual care?            This program provides for the purchase of cemetery or mausoleum space within a 50 mile radius of the church to provide space for memorialization in the event that the church closes and can no longer provide for memorialization for those inturned in the columbarium. Urns already in the columbarium would be transferred to the new location where continued memorialization would be provided. Those having purchased a Right of Interment would have the option to be inurned at the new location.

            Urns already in the columbarium would be transferred to the new location where continued memorialization would be provided. Those having purchased a Right of Interment would have the option to be inurned at the new location.

Columbarium Committee
Rev & Ester Stickley            845-331-2919           
Joyce & Jerry Fink               845-246-6567           
Frank Pinckney                    845-338-5253           
Jim & Betty Pirro                 845-383-0079           
Joe Ulrich                            845-331-5139           
Lisa Longto, Chair               845-331-1438           

Bill Roberson                       908-752-1947,   Creter Vault Corp., 417 Rte 202, Flemington, NJ 08822   Corp Off: 800-352-4890

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