Garden of the Beloved Brother is an outdoor area reserved and consecrated for the in-ground burial of cremated remains of the deceased. The Garden is also a place for meditation and private prayer.
For many generations, the burial places for human bodies were in and around the church. Then, as time passed, customs changed, restrictions were imposed and people in many cases had to be buried elsewhere. Recently, concern in human affairs has brought about much interest in cremation of bodily remains. This has made it possible to once again return to the tradition of making one's final resting place on the grounds of the church. Such a memorial garden has been established at St. Mary & St. Martha of Bethany Episcopal Church.
Cremation is an old tradition and has been widely practiced throughout the world from earliest times. As Christians we regard burning as a properly reverent way of disposing of objects blessed for religious use, such as prayer books, altar linens and palms. By common Christian consent, we agree that this is a reverent way of recycling that which has been set apart and used to the glory of God. Christians who favor cremation have every right or reason to cite this principle. Cremation was accepted by the Church of England and the Episcopal Church many years ago, and the National Church supports cremation as an acceptable, proper and dignified way of treating the human body at the time of death. Almost a quarter of all Americans now choose cremation over other means of burial.
Interment within the grounds of the Garden of the Beloved Brother provides a link visible to us in this life between deceased Christians and their church body, enabling family and friends to pay their respects and refresh their remembrances frequently as a part of regular worship.
For more information or to reserve space please contact the parish rector, any member of the vestry, or the parish administrator.