Throughout history, Christians have placed the earthly remains of their loved ones in churchyards and in church buildings. The Rex Tucker Memorial Garden offers a Christian alternative to traditional burial with niches for the cremated remains of Christ Community members and their immediate families. The Memorial Garden, along with the church, may be used for the memorial service at the time of death and the Garden will be available as a place of meditation.

Is cremation Christian?

A memorial service at church, cremation, and repose in a memorial garden is a dignified and simple alternative to customary burial. The words of committal in the Book of Common Worship are, “Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Cremation, the acceleration of this natural process, is a sensitive and Christian way of dealing with death.

The Apostle Paul said, “When this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying will be fulfilled: Death has been swallowed up in victory. Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Where is the Memorial Garden located?

The Garden is located on the hill immediately west of the church sanctuary. It is a peaceful spot, surrounded by the woods on three sides and an expansive view of the church.

Who is eligible?

Christ Community members and their immediate families have the privilege of securing niches in the Memorial Garden.

What are the costs?

The cost for a niche is $800 for a single, or $1500 for an adjacent pair. This cost includes interment, the engraving and mounting of the plaque bearing the name and dates of the deceased, the use of the church and/or Memorial Garden for services, and perpetual care. In most cases, it will prove to be considerably less expensive than other options.

Average cost in Grand Rapids for cemetery burial:

$6400 Casket, vault, funeral home, and interment
$1600 Grave marker
$  450 Cemetery lot
$8450 Average total cost

The Christ Community Church Rex Tucker Memorial Garden:

$ 800 Niche (single)
$1000 Cremation (average cost)
$1800 Total cost, including Memorial service at church or at Memorial Garden (plus funeral home expense, if selected)

Can I reserve niches at the Memorial Garden in advance?

Selection before the time of need enables you to lessen the stress felt by your loves ones. In addition, you gain these benefits in pre-arrangement:

• Choice of locations
• Eliminates future price increases
• Peace of mind from knowing that others will not have to make these difficult decisions for you.

Are the niches transferable?

If, for some reason, the family does not make use of the niche, it reverts to the church for reassignment. Niche space may be transferred by a holder to another person only with the consent of the church.

What kind of container is used?

Uniform containers are provided by the Memorial Garden, which will be removed and given to you to take to the funeral home or crematorium, or fill at home. No other containers will fit in this memorial unit.

Can the container be removed?

Yes, by agreement between the church and the next of kin. If containers are permanently removed, the original agreement shall become null and void and the niche may be reassigned to another party by the church. The cost of this niche is non-refundable.

What happens to the cremains if the church moves or ceases to exist?

In offering this ministry, Christ Community Church is making a statement of its own permanence and a commitment to perpetual care. In the unlikely event that it could become necessary to relocate, the Rex Tucker Memorial Cremorial consists of complete, self contained units that could be moved with little difficulty.

How may I reserve a niche in the Rex Tucker Memorial Garden?

Simply request an agreement form from the pastor or the church office. Return the form, along with your check to the church, and you will receive an available niche of your choosing.