{"id":35,"date":"2025-10-13T14:28:47","date_gmt":"2025-10-13T18:28:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/christchurchshrewsbury.org\/wp\/?page_id=35"},"modified":"2025-10-14T13:48:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T17:48:35","slug":"cemetery","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/christchurchshrewsbury.org\/?page_id=35","title":{"rendered":"Graveyard"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Christ Church Graveyard<\/h3>\n

Christ Church would not be Christ Church without the beauty of its historic graveyard. The oldest marked stone dates from 1717, over three hundred years ago. The stones and markers are witnesses to the many souls who have worshipped here over the centuries; there are countless stories waiting to be told.<\/p>\n

The Graveyard is what we sometimes refer to as a \u201cliving graveyard\u201d. Not only because of the unique spirit that inhabits this sanctuary, but because people are still being buried here in our own day. It has been a goal of this parish to ensure that there is room for many people to be laid to rest at Christ Church for decades and even centuries to come.<\/p>\n

The question is often asked: is there still room to be buried in a more than three-hundred-year-old graveyard? The answer is a resounding Yes. \u00a0Although full burial plots are no longer available, the church does offer several options for the burying of cremains. Descriptions of various options may be found below.<\/p>\n

An overview of the Christ Church churchyard (a graveyard that surrounds a church) can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Graveyard1\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The Columbarium: A Place of Rest for Everyone<\/strong><\/p>\n

The newest addition to our churchyard is a stately granite columbarium located on the southwest side of graveyard.\u00a0 The columbarium is open to all persons (no need to be a member of Christ Church) who wish a final resting place for their cremains (ashes) in a serene location on our historic property.<\/p>\n

Each niche, which is engraved with names and dates of the individuals buried therein, is 10\u201d by 10\u201d and can hold the cremains of two persons. Inquiries may be made\u00a0by contacting the church office at 732-741-2220 or email\u00a0rector@christchurchshrewsbury.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Memorial Garden<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nestled in a shady spot just south of the Church (at the bottom of the handicap ramp) you will find the Christ Church Memorial Garden. This Cremains Garden is reserved for members of Christ Church and their family members. A Memorial Marker with each person\u2019s name and their dates are engraved on the large granite slab which will soon be placed to the rear of the Garden. Inquiries may be made\u00a0by contacting the church office at 732-741-2220 or email\u00a0rector@christchurchshrewsbury.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Sycamores\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Sycamores is another option for those who would like to Christ Church to be their final resting place. Located on the north side of the graveyard, right along the fence line on Sycamore Avenue, each set of cremains is allowed their own individual grave marker. There are few spaces remaining; if you are interested in learning more, please contact the church office at 732-741-2220 or email\u00a0rector@christchurchshrewsbury.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Historic Heritage Rose Garden<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the center of our historic graveyard you will find the Heritage Rose Meditation Garden. Landscaped around historic colonial roses, this serene oasis features benches to rest on while contemplating the lush flora of the garden. More information about the HRMG can be found\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n