Published May 2023
1050 East Ave., Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 • www.asburyfirst.org
History of Interest at Asbury First
Why a Columbarium?
From the earliest days Christians have chosen to have their final resting place within the community of the church. From the catacombs of ancient Rome to the great cathedrals of Europe to the humblest churchyard on the American prairie the evidence is everywhere. Other churches in Rochester, including on East Avenue, have had columbaria for decades. For many years members of Asbury First have dreamed about having a columbarium on the campus. The time has come to fulfill that dream.
Asbury First United Methodist Church
contact
For more information or if you are ready to join us in moving forward, contact: columbarium@asburyfirst.org Bob Schuman 585-317-7947 robert@schumanonline.net David Strong 585-271-1050 x110 dstrong@asburyfirst.org Rev. Kathy Thiel 585-271-1050 x106 kthiel@asburyfirst.org
TIMELINE Mid-1980’s — VISION and Master Plan for Ministry (VISION 2000) 2003 — A Time To Build (ATTB) 2012 — Mission & Space Task Force 2013 — Columbarium Information Session 2015 — Trustees visit other local church columbaria 2015 — Dreamscape 2016 — Columbarium Architectural Studies 2017 — Better Together Capital Campaign 2020 — Trustees authorize architectural studies to consider possible outside locations
The Columbarium is intended to be self- funding with a combination of the sale of niches and of capital gifts.
Current proposed area
Once we receive commitment from enough potential participants, or a gift large enough to fund the start-up costs, we will be able to proceed to the next level of detail.
Campus overview with proposed location
Next Step?
Site Plan View
A columbarium is a sacred, consecrated location where urns (two urns per niche) of cremated remains are placed (inurned). It completes the circle of life from birth to baptism, confirmation, marriage, and memorial services by providing a final resting place for reflection and remembrance—which is part of Asbury First’s on-going ministry to both the living and the dead.
Artist’s rendering of proposed Columbarium (Partial view)
How WILL the columbarium be funded?
What is a columbarium?
(alternative view)