The Columbarium at St. George’s Church
In ages past, the church provided resting places for the dead in and around local buildings of worship, a continuing witness thereby of the risen life. Today, many people are searching for an alternative to ground burial that offers beauty and simplicity along with access at all times to the internment site of loved ones.
St. George's Church offers such an alternative in its new Columbarium. The word "columbarium" is derived from the Latin word columba, meaning dove, symbol of peace, the Holy Spirit and the risen Christ. St. George's Columbarium provides a series of recessed niches to receive the inurned remains of one or two persons.
The setting
Designed by the nationally recognized architectural firm of Hyndman and Hyndman, the Columbarium links the mission style church of 1969 with a new parish hall complex opened in 2001. The spacious arches open onto flowerbeds and lawns that overlook Avenida de la Carlota, inviting the community to enter, rest and reflect upon their lives. The interior area of the Columbarium is designed for meditation and reflection. A labyrinth, based on the medieval design on the stone floor of Chartres cathedral in France is placed in the Robert Bonhall Plaza. The labyrinth provides a focus and pathway for a meditative walk into its center. The area is reserved (like the church sanctuary) during the week and between Sunday services for quiet, meditation and prayer.
Memorial benches sit between some of the arches for rest and reflection. An arbor walkway and gentle rustling trees provide a beautiful link with nature and the warm colored granite that adorns the Columbarium pillars. The Columbarium was given by Donald Davis in memory of his wife Florence. St. George's Parish community will use the plaza behind the Columbarium for religious and social occasions, linking the departed to the living in the faith of Jesus Christ, who said, "I am resurrection and I am life."
The Columbarium
Each pillar has five independent niches. The pillars have been specially constructed of steel reinforced concrete and have a secure, personalized granite memorial stone cover. The name of the loved one with the dates of birth and death are recorded in gold lettering on the granite. Each niche is designed to accommodate two cremations. Memorial flowers can be placed in one area of the Columbarium or be designated as altar flowers in church on special anniversaries. Clergy are available for all funeral and internment arrangements, and the church and Bourne Hall facilities are also available for services and receptions. The grounds are maintained daily and all maintenance costs are covered in the fee.
A stable and permanent community
St. George's Episcopal Church has been serving the Saddleback Valley of South Orange County for 110 years. The original church was built in 1891 for the rural fruit growers and wealthy families who settled here. St. George's Mission is open to the public at Heritage Hill Park in Lake Forest. Close to the Spanish mission of San Juan Capistrano, St. George's is one of the oldest Christian communities in Orange County and has a rich history of interfaith and ecumenical ministry in this region. The Jewish community worshipped in St. George's long before a Temple was built in the area, and shared the present Academy building before they built their own facility. An interdenominational Sunday School was started in the 1940's and was the precursor of St. George's Academy, which supports children and families from every denomination and faith community in this area.
For further information and a tour of our facilities, please contact
aogle@stgeorgesparish.org