Maryland Columbarium Builders
As the preference for cremation continues to grow, many cemeteries and churches are seeking alternatives to traditional in-ground burials. One such alternative is the columbarium, a concept that might be unfamiliar to many. It’s time to turn to the experts for answers. Tegeler Monument, a leading columbarium builder in Maryland, stands ready to address all your inquiries.
Whether you represent a church or cemetery planning to construct a public or private columbarium or are an individual interested in a columbarium for a loved one or your family, Tegeler is your trusted builder. Keep reading to discover why columbaria have become a popular choice and explore the diverse design options available when working with Tegeler.
What is a Columbarium?
A columbarium is essentially a mausoleum for urns. It’s a small to large structure that contains cavities (known as niches) which house the urns. These structures are often found at churches and cemeteries for both sensible and emotional reasons:
- Space Efficiency: Columbaria utilize vertical space, making them a practical option for areas with limited land availability.
- Memorialization: They provide a dedicated space for families to honor and remember their loved ones, often allowing for personalization.
- Preservation of Urns: The controlled environment helps protect the urns from weather elements and potential damage.
- Accessibility: Columbaria can offer convenient access for family and friends to visit their loved ones, enhancing the memorial experience.
- Community Connection: They often foster a sense of community among those who visit, creating a shared space for reflection and remembrance.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Many columbaria are designed with beautiful architecture and landscaping, contributing to the overall serenity of the memorial site.
Columbaria vary greatly in size. Some are built to hold just a few remains (perfect for a private family columbarium) while others hold upwards of hundreds of urns (ideal for larger, public cemeteries). Each person has their own niche in the columbarium. Each urn will be placed in the cut-out section of the wall with a permanent plate that will completely seal the urn in the niche. This covering is almost like the headstone for an in-ground burial plot. These columbarium plaques contain the name of the deceased, date of death and any other personalization and decoration that their loved ones would like.
Columbaria are similar to mausoleums, but mausoleums hold caskets rather than urns like a columbarium. Mausoleums are also a very popular alternative to the traditional in-ground burial.
Understanding Columbaria
A columbarium serves as a sanctuary for urns, akin to a mausoleum for cremated remains. It’s a structure, varying in size from small to large, housing niches designed to cradle urns. These columbaria are strategically placed in churches and cemeteries, serving both practical and emotional purposes:
- A Place of Remembrance: Columbaria provide a serene setting for remembering and honoring the departed. Visiting loved ones’ niches offers solace and a tangible connection.
- Personalization for Healing: Each niche can be customized, aiding in the healing process after a loss. Personal touches help keep cherished memories alive.
- Space Efficiency: Columbaria are efficient space-savers, accommodating a significantly larger number of remains compared to traditional cemetery plots.
- Affordable Option: Columbarium burial provides a cost-effective alternative to in-ground burial, making it accessible to many.
- Perpetual Storage: For many, columbaria offer an enduring place to store cremated remains for future generations.
Columbaria: An Asset for Cemeteries
The surge in cremations has led churches and cemeteries to seek meaningful solutions for the interment of cremated remains. As cremation becomes the preferred choice over traditional burials, columbaria prove to be a valuable asset.
Public columbaria are typically constructed by churches or cemeteries, offering plot owners flexibility in how they wish to memorialize their loved ones. Private columbaria, conversely, are often built at the request of a family or group. These are generally accessible exclusively to family members, friends, plot owners, and cemetery staff.
Columbarium Plaques & Engraving
One of the most vital components of any columbarium is the columbarium plaque. These plaques enable niche owners to personalize their “headstones,” preserving the memory of the deceased for generations to come. At Tegeler Monument, we offer numerous options for columbarium plaques:
Text, images, photographs, and designs can be engraved on both the inside and outside of the columbarium niche.
We can embed bronze emblems representing religious symbols, hobbies, careers, organizations, and more into the columbarium plaque.
Mounted photographs on the plaque serve as poignant representations of those resting within the columbarium niche.
These plaques withstand all weather conditions, ensuring your loved one’s legacy endures.
The design possibilities for columbarium plaques are virtually limitless, and we are here to assist you in crafting a columbarium that resonates with your vision. Tegeler is responsible for constructing and installing the structure, provided cemetery regulations permit. However, the placement of urns is managed by the funeral home, and we can offer recommendations on sizing and placement. The funeral home is responsible for preparing, cremating, and interring the remains within the columbarium.
In summary, columbaria offer a lasting and meaningful resting place for cremated remains. Their durability, customization options, and aesthetic appeal make them an excellent choice for preserving the memory of your loved ones for generations to come. Tegeler is here to bring your vision to life and create a heartfelt tribute that stands the test of time.
