A Sacred Space for Generations to Come

We are excited to announce the completion of The Garden of Resurrection expansion project, generously funded by the Memorial Endowment Fund. This project added 342 spaces to the Garden, allowing the church to offer our members the opportunity to continue their association with St. John the Divine in both a physical and spiritual dimension.

The Blessing Service for the Garden of Resurrection is scheduled for Sunday, April 30, 2023, after the 11:15 am services. There will be two information sessions in The Garden of Resurrection, Wednesday, May 10 from 4 – 5 pm and Sunday, May 7 from 12:30 – 1:30 pm where you can learn more about the expansion. For information about reserving a space in the Garden of Resurrection, please read the FAQs below and contact urngarden@sjd.org with questions.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Garden of Resurrection

Q: Can I reserve a space in The Garden of Resurrection?

A: Adult members in good standing of St. John the Divine who have been active for at least three years may reserve a space for their own interment and the interment of their spouse.

Q: Can I reserve a space for another family member?

A: The Memorial Endowment Fund will consider children or other immediate family members of eligible adults on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Can my spouse and I be interred together?

A: Only one urn will fit in the ground spaces. Wall spaces will accommodate two urns.

Q: What does a space cost?

A: Here is a breakdown of the cost of various options:

• Ground space with plaque engraved with birth/death dates $4,000
• Wall space with etched birth/death dates $6,000
• Exchange of one existing ground space for one wall space $3,000
• Exchange of two existing ground spaces for one wall space $1,000

This fee is non-refundable.

Q: What is covered by my fee?

A: Your fee covers the right to use the space, acknowledgment of birth/death dates (engraved bronze plaque for ground space; etching of wall space), and ongoing maintenance. The fee does not include costs of cremation, interment, disinterment, memorial services, services of committal, or cost of urns, all of which are the responsibility of the surviving family or estate.

Q: Can I sell my space?

A: You may not transfer the space to another person without special permission of the Memorial Endowment Fund Board and the Church.

Q: Are there restrictions on the urn I can use?

A: The size and shape of your urn must conform to approved standards. You may only inter the remains of the individuals named on your contract in your space. You may not place the remains of an animal in your space.

Q: Do you have rules about decorating my space?

A: We encourage you to honor your loved one(s) by decorating their space with appropriate items of remembrance, with the understanding that the Garden of Resurrection is a sacred space. You may only place flowers or other memorial items on the ground or a ground space, not on walkways. You must remove any perishable item after one week. We reserve the right to remove them at any time. You may not place any breakable items, such as glass or ceramic containers or items, in the Garden at any time due to the risk of breakage.

Garden of Resurrection Re-Opening Timeline

Blessing/Rededication of the Garden
Sunday, April 30, 2023, following the 11:15 am services (approximately 12:30 pm)

Information Sessions — Drop-in Q&A in the Garden of Resurrection
Sunday, May 7, 2023; 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Wednesday, May 10, 2023; 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Spaces may be reserved beginning on the following dates:

For those who currently hold spaces: Monday, May 8
For those who are on the wait list as of April 15, 2023: Monday, May 22
For all interested parties: Monday, June 5