About Cremation and the Columbarium
Inurnment in the University of Richmond Columbarium and Memorial Garden is generally reserved for alumni, students, faculty, staff, trustees and their immediate family members. Here you will find information about:
- Cremation
- Columbarium and Inurnment
- Scattering Ashes in the Memorial Garden
- Memorial Gatherings at the time of Inurnment or Scattering
- Directions and Parking
Joshua Dickerson (804-289-8500), Director of the Columbarium, is happy to meet with you to provide you with complete information about cremation, inurnment and scattering of ashes.
Cremation
Cremation is an ancient practice that has particular relevance for us today, as space on our crowded earth becomes more costly. Cremation is widely recognized as a theologically valid process for the deceased and essentially becomes a hastening of the natural process that occurs following death.
If, when making decisions about final provisions for you and your family, you are interested in cremation as an option and find you have questions, feel free to contact Joshua Dickerson, the Director of the Columbarium, in the Office of the Chaplaincy.
Cremation also accommodates those families who want to have the familiar arrangement with a funeral home that includes visitation hours and services. The funeral home can arrange for cremation to take place folowing this gathering, and inurnment at the University of Richmond's Columbarium can be scheduled at the family's convenience. Many families have found that the presence of the urn containing the cremated remains at a memorial service is very meaningful. Please consult a member of the funeral home staff to receive financial information for such arrangements.
Columbarium and Inurnment
The word "columbarium" derives from the Latin "columbary," which is a structure provided for the nesting of doves a dovecote; the related word, columbarium, refers to a burial vault for the containment of urns holding cremated human remains. It is an old term and an old tradition used for centuries here and abroad. The University of Richmond's Columbarium, like other such structures, is restricted to that traditional use - the inurnment of cremated human remains.
The University of Richmond's Columbarium and Memorial Garden is found on the east side of Cannon Chapel. Brick walkways provide comfortable access, and its location, while close to the chapel, still provides privacy for services, visits and prayer.
In structure, the University of Richmond's Columbarium is composed of individual niches that can accommodate up to two urns each. Each niche has a granite cover, which can be engraved much like a traditional gravestone, with individual names, birth dates and dates of death.
Scattering Ashes in the Memorial Garden
The memorial garden, surrounding a central fountain, is intended for the scattering of ashes, and the name, birth date and date of death can be engraved on the central memorial plaque in front of the garden. The purchase of a Columbarium niche entitles you to perpetual use. The University of Richmond will retain property rights and assumes the responsibility of perpetual care of the Columbarium, the garden and the surrounding area. As with any burial site, there are rules and regulations that must be observed; this information is available in greater detail from the Office of the Chaplaincy.
Memorial Gatherings for Inurnment or Scattering
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Inurnment: You may choose for cremation to be performed shortly after death, followed by a memorial service in the chapel soon after. Or a memorial service can be conducted at a later date, when the family can arrange the desired gathering. The presence of the urn containing the ashes at the service is one of personal choice. Inurnment in the Columbarium can take place before or after the service, or at a later date.
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Scattering: When a family decides to scatter the cremated remains in the Memorial Garden, the ground is prepared so that the ashes can be placed directly in the ground (without a container). As with an inurnment, the family can decide when to gather in the garden to do this: before or after a memorial service, or at a later date. Top
Directions and Parking
Getting to Cannon Memorial Chapel can be a challenge for those who haven't been on campus before. Directional signs will be placed at entrances to direct visitors to the chapel and to parking. See the links below for printed directions and maps.