Memorial Garden

The Memorial Garden is part of the caring ministry the Church offers to members of our community in their period of bereavement.

We understand that coping with the loss of a loved one can be challenging, and kind, genuine support is often essential. In these times, the Southern Community is able to offer a number of great spiritual and personal resources to assist as desired. We are able to provide counselling; comfort through listening and sharing; prayer; and offers of practical help, before and after death.

The continuous establishment of the Memorial Garden symbolises our faith and willingness to support our community.

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The Garden

The Memorial Garden was designed by landscape architect Roberta Rees and built by Church members with the help of gifts and donations.

The garden was dedicated on All Saints Day, November 1, 1998 and is located on the Northwest side of the Church buildings. It is available for quiet meditation, reflection or prayer by prior arrangement.

Interment of Ashes

Following the funeral and cremation, the interment of ashes may occur through burial within the memorial space or scattering in one of the surrounding gardens.

For legal, environmental and theological reasons, only ashes can be interred and containers will be disposed of appropriately.

Interment can occur privately without ceremony, or a small committal ceremony can be arranged for family and close friends.

Accurate records must be maintained and the names of all with ashes interred at Southern, must be recorded.

Book of Remembrance

A 'Book of Remembrance' is kept on the church premises. Our aspiration is for entries to be on display on a monthly basis with applicants being able to select the month in which the entry will be made.

Any entry may also be viewed by advanced request to the church office. An entry in the Book can be up to half of one page, with the surname in coloured ink.

A donation is requested for each entry.

Application

The use of both the Memorial Garden and the Book of Remembrance is at the discretion of the Church Board. For more information, please contact the church office via phone 03 9584 8499 or email admin@southerncofc.org.au