The United Church of Los Alamos

Columbarium Policies

1. The Columbarium:  The Columbarium shall consist of niches uniform in size for the inurnment of the ashes of cremated human bodies (cremains).  Either one or two  cremains may be placed in each niche.  Each niche shall have a nameplate (or two nameplates in the case of two cremains within the niche) of uniform size on which shall be placed the name of the deceased, dates of birth and death.

2. Responsibility:  The United Church of Los Alamos shall at all times have full responsibility and control of the Columbarium.  The responsibility and control shall rest with the congregation through the Executive Board via the Board of Elders.

3. Eligibility:  The Columbarium is available for the cremains of all members, their immediate families, and former members of The United Church of Los Alamos.  Others related to the church are eligible with approval of the Board of Elders.

4. Reservations:  Niches may be reserved after payment in full for present or future use.  Should the niche not be used by the one(s) for whom it was purchased, full ownership shall revert to the church and may be sold to another.  There will be no refunds for niches not used.  Niches may not be sold or otherwise transferred to secondary parties by the primary purchaser.

5. Abandonment:  A niche shall be deemed purchased in perpetuity unless abandoned after all the following conditions have been satisfied:
          a. The niche has not been used within 21 years of its purchase; and
          b. Purchaser is no longer a member of The United Church of Los Alamos; and
          c. Purchaser does not respond within 90 days to certified mail sent to his/her last known address.

6. Title:  Legal title to the Columbarium and all niches shall at all times remain with The United Church of Los Alamos.

7. Selection:  The right to select an individual niche or niches may be given to purchaser in the order in which their fully paid applications are received.  The purchase price shall be uniform regardless of the location of the niche selected.

8. Dissolution:  If and when the time should arise, for whatever reasons, that the Columbarium needs to be relocated, removed, changed or dismantled that determination will be made at the sole discretion of The United Church of Los Alamos.  Notification of such actions shall be published in the Church newsletter and local newspaper at least one month prior to such action.  Next of kin are responsible for keeping a current address on file with the church so that a letter can be sent should there be dissolution.  In such an event the next-of-kin shall have the right to remove the cremains from the Columbarium within a period of three months and relocate them at a different place of their choosing.  Should no address be available, the church will bear no responsibility for informing next of kin.  There shall be no refunds should such an action take place.

9. Price:  The price of each niche shall be $600.00 including one nameplate and an urn.  An additional nameplate and urn is $100.00.  One or two cremains may be placed in each niche.  The amount paid covers all costs, including the inurnment service, installing the niche, inscribing and placing the nameplate and maintenance of the Columbarium.  All funds received shall be placed in the Columbarium Fund of the Church to be used as stated above and for any other purposes the Board of Elders find appropriate.  The United Church of Los Alamos retains the right to change the price of niches at any time.

10. Decorations:  No decorations, flowers, wreaths or flags beyond the planned landscaping will be permitted in the Columbarium area unless pertinent to a Memorial or Committal Service.  The United Church of Los Alamos will not be responsible for any decorations, flowers or other items placed on or near the Columbarium.  The Church reserves the right to remove and dispose any such items.  Special memorial occasions may include special decorations.

11. Access:  The opening of any niche is prohibited by anyone other than authorized  Church personnel.  Upon the request of a member of the deceased person’s   immediate family and with agreement of immediate family members or person(s) showing evidence of proper authority and just cause, a niche may be opened and the contents removed.  Upon removal, the family terminates their right to use the niche and it reverts to the Church.  Any person requesting such opening and removal, shall release the Church from any liability in connection with such action, and as a condition precedent to such action, shall agree to indemnify and hold the Church harmless from any costs (including legal fees and court costs) incurred in connection with such opening and removal.

12. Master Plan:  The United Church of Los Alamos shall maintain a master plan of all   niches in the Columbarium to be identified by a number with the name of the  purchaser, date of purchase, date of inurnment, name(s) of the deceased, their birth date and date of death.

13. Liability:  The United Church of Los Alamos will take reasonable precautions to protect the Columbarium recognizing it is in a public place.  The Church does not assume any liability whatsoever for causes beyond its control including, but not limited to, “acts of God,” defects in materials, vandalism, theft or accidents.

14. Warranty:  The United Church of Los Alamos makes no guarantees or warranties   concerning the durability or expected life or condition of Columbarium or surrounding grounds.

15. Amendments:  All parties recognize that additions, changes or amendments to these policies may be made at any time as may be deemed necessary by The United Church of Los Alamos.

16. Definitions:  All legal terms in this document are as defined by New Mexico State Law.  All other terms are as defined by the Board of Elders of The United Church of Los Alamos.
 

Endorsed
Executive Board
27 March 2001