When is a church not a church?

With the rising popularity of cremation and the relative ease with which cremated remains can be stored almost anywhere, more and more churches are offering congregants the opportunity to be buried right where they worship.  Other organizations, such as colleges and sports teams have followed suit as well.

If you are not concerned with the permanence of the arrangement, this type of burial might be a fine way to show support for your church or your team.  If you’d like a burial place that will be there for future generations of your family, however, you might want to think again.

The surprising truth is that large numbers of churches are being abandoned across the country.  Some, like the church pictured from Buffalo, NY, are simply left to deteriorate.  Others, such as the one pictured below from Ocean County, NJ, are turned into a business, such as a liquor store, restaurant, hotel, concert hall or antique store.

In Monroe County alone, there are currently no less than 7 churches currently for sale.  Many others have already been sold.  For example, you can clearly recognize the former purpose of the building when you dine at Maria’s Mexican Restaurant at 75 West Main St. in Webster.

So, when considering a burial location for yourself and your family you may want to consider the likely longevity of the organization providing the burial site.  Even though churches in general have been around forever, there is no guarantee that any one church will last that long.  A regulated cemetery, however, is much more likely to be around for eternity.  In New York State, if the company managing a given cemetery should fail, the local city or town in which it is located is required by law to take it over and maintain it forever.

For more reasons to consider a permanent burial spot for cremated remains of your loved ones, and even your pets, please visit our website.

Is Above Ground Burial Right for You?

Is Above Ground Burial Right for You?

The beauty and solitude of winter is all around us here in Pittsford, NY. While winter is known for its tranquility, it can also bring harsh and inclement weather. In the wake of these conditions, you might find yourself trudging through snow, slush and ice to visit a loved one’s grave, or attend a memorial celebration service. 

At White Haven Memorial Park, we offer a variety of burial options for families to consider. From beautiful outdoor sites in a meadow or by a shady tree, to an indoor mausoleum or columbarium with options for caskets, urns or one casket plus one urn.  Here are some benefits to choosing an above ground burial location in one of our indoor settings.

• 
  Weather proof – Summer can bring hot and humid conditions and torrential rains. Winter’s cold, snow and ice can make it difficult to visit your loved one’s grave or attend a memorial service.
• Timeless elegance – Our well-appointed mausoleum and columbarium buildings are constructed and maintained to stand the test of time.
• Comfort – Visit your loved one’s grave site while sitting in a comfortable upholstered chair, next to a cozy fireplace in a climate controlled setting.
• Cost-effective – Traditional in-ground burials require the purchase of a burial plot, a burial vault and a grave marker. An above ground burial has one package price that eliminates many of the extra expenses of a traditional burial.
• Lock-in pricing – Prices for above ground burial can be locked in to current costs. If needed, budget plans with interest-free payments can be developed to spread costs over several years, making it more affordable.
• Eco-friendly – Choosing burial in a mausoleum or columbarium conserves land.  
• Special touches – Each of our buildings is decorated with floral displays. Remember your loved one on a special day such as a birthday or anniversary by dedicating the arrangement in their honor.  We also provide visitor’s registers in every building so you can write a note to your loved one when you come to visit.

At White Haven Memorial Park, our goal is to provide you with a variety of options so that you and your loved ones feel celebrated at the end of life. We are here to help you create a burial plan and memorial service that will honor your last wishes. If you have any questions about the wide variety of burial options available or would like to come visit our grounds, please contact us today.