BURIALS

A columbarium is a permanent resting place for cremated remains, and Saint Mark’s columbarium is in the Chapel of the Resurrection which opened in 1969. The names of those interred in the niches remind us to pray for all the souls of the faithful departed.

Initial funding for the columbarium was generously provided by Cathedral members Joshua and Laura Green who, in conversation with Dean John Leffler, established a trust to both fund the construction and upkeep of the columbarium and to fund projects related to “completing the Cathedral.” Payments for niches become part of this endowment trust.

Purchasing a Niche

Anyone is welcome to be buried in the Chapel of the Resurrection, and there are a few options of niche style and sizes. More information on the niches, as well as pricing, is available here. Contact Erik Donner at edonner@saintmarks.org with questions or to purchase.

Saint Mark’s Memorial Garden is a sacred section of the cathedral churchyard consecrated for the burial (Committal) of cremated or composted remains of individuals with ties to the Saint Mark’s community. Burial is typically offered to baptized members of the cathedral parish and their immediate family, Episcopalians from the Diocese of Olympia, and others approved by the Dean when their funeral is held at the cathedral. Remains are interred directly in the earth during a simple graveside Committal service—without a container—and individual graves are not marked. If desired, a name plaque may be added to a memorial board near the garden.

The current fee for burial is $300, which may be pre-paid; financial assistance is available for those in need. For full details, please see the Policy of the Vestry on Burial in Saint Mark’s Memorial Garden (PDF).