The Memorial Garden of the First Church of Christ in Saybrook (Congregational) is located on the church grounds close to the sanctuary and directly behind the Colonial Gardens of the Historical Society’s General William Hart House. The Memorial Garden has been dedicated to various services of the church, but primarily for the interment of ashes in certain consecrated areas. The garden is a place for rest, meditation, and prayer. The guiding concept of the Memorial Garden is to provide a simple, dignified memorial for loved ones placed to rest there.
Who may use the garden?
The Memorial Garden is for the use of church members and their families who may request interment.
Memorial Document
After interment, the exact location of the burial plot is recorded in a permanent church document.
Memorial Plaques
The deceased’s name and years of birth and death may be added to a bronze plaque mounted on a stone adjacent to the burial area. A separate bronze plaque has been provided for the names of loved ones not interred in this garden.
Memorial Book
A large permanent Memorial Book has been established and is maintained by the memorial Garden Committee to record biographical information and genealogy of those interred. The committee enters basic information, which can be supplemented by details the family may wish to contribute. The Memorial Book is kept in the Church Office. Memorial Gifts Memorial gifts are welcome and are recorded in the Memorial Book. The initial cost of developing the garden was met through memorial gifts and the sale of Burial Right Certificates. Further income is dedicated to expansion, improvement, and maintenance of the garden and the Perpetual Care Fund. Gifts in memory of those who have died may be made to this fund. Burial Right Certificates Burial Right Certificates may be purchased at any time through the Church Office. This precludes decisions having to be made under stress and emotion at the time of death. Within the garden certain specific areas have been reserved for interment of ashes. Each burial plot is large enough to accommodate two interments if desired. For members of the church, at the time of purchase, the cost of a single plot is $200 and the cost of a double plot is $300. For non-members and former members these charges will be $400 and $600. There is a small charge for opening and closing the plot, plus an additional charge for those wishing to record the deceased’s name on the bronze plaque. The cremated remains must be placed in a bio-degradable container not to exceed 10” x 10” x 10”. The cost of having a name placed on the plaque for one not interred here is $250 plus the cost of the bronze nameplate. The Minister is available to conduct services of interment, and a separate fee of $350 is requested. Note: Pastors of First Church must preside-colleagues are welcome to assist according to the family’s wishes. All fees should be paid prior to the interment. Further information and a copy of Rules and Regulations of the Memorial Garden may be obtained from the Church Office. Administration Administration of the Memorial Garden and the Memorial Book is the responsibility of the Memorial Garden Committee elected by the church. This committee is charged with the care, maintenance, and future development of the Memorial Garden.