Park Avenue Christian Church Columbarium

Click here for the list of those interred

The New Testament teaches that our bodies are the creative work of God. Therefore, the church has always laid the bodies of its dead to rest with reverence and care in places especially set apart for this purpose.

In rural areas, churchyards and cemeteries are available. In urban settings such as New York City, columbariums inside church buildings have been instituted to serve their congregations.

The Park Avenue Christian Church installed its columbarium in 1984 in its landmark sanctuary. The columbarium was established through a generous gift from Virginia (Mrs. Howard) Toedter, a church member whose husband was the first individual to be interred there.

The name "columbarium" comes from the Latin for "dovecote." Columba is dove, the symbol of God's spirit and peace.

A total of sixty-four niches are located in the north and south transepts of the sanctuary narthex. Each is covered with a bronze cruciform design fabricated by Armento Liturgical Arts of Buffalo, New York.

Interment

A limited number of memorial niches are available. At time of need, we will work with your family, funeral service, and church ministers to make respectful arrangements. Please contact the church at 212-288-3246 for more information.

Remembrance

Those interred in our columbarium are surrounded by the continual praise and worship of God. Each year, on the Sunday corresponding to All Saint's Day, the congregation holds a special ceremony to remember those interred here.

The church sanctuary and columbarium is open almost every day of the year for meditation and remembrance. Our location on the Upper East Side of Manhattan is near public transportation and convenient for family members and friends to visit.
Our ministry staff is always available for comfort. Please be sure to call the church office at 212-288-3246 in advance if you plan to visit during a holiday or uncommon hour.

We will also work with you to arrange memorial services and/or anniversary flowers. Please call the church office to arrange for flowers.