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Cemetery

The Manchester United Methodist Church Cemetery, the Manchester UMC Columbarium, and the John Wesley Ward Memorial Wall were established for the purpose of providing an appropriate and dignified final resting place for members or those having a relationship with Manchester UMC or any other United Methodist Church. 

Burial Search Tool & Map

Aerial photo of Manchester UMC cemetery

Click here to search for names and locations of burials at Manchester United Methodist Cemetery and Columbarium, and names engraved on the Memorial Wall. Every effort has been made to provide the most current and accurate information possible on the church’s burial search site.  If you know more about a person or their ancestors, please use the genealogical submission form to share this information with us.

History

The property for the cemetery was deeded to the Methodist Episcopal Church of Manchester, Missouri in 1880. However, the first recorded burial was that of Joseph Harrison, August 9, 1852. There are presently more than 500 burials in our Cemetery. The cemetery is located immediately north of the historic chapel.

There are more than 400 single and double-depth (two burials in one grave) plots available for purchase.  Plots can be used for interment of either caskets or cremains.

The purchase price includes the right to bury in the location and perpetual care of the grave.  The opening charge for the grave, at the time of need, will be collected by the funeral home. Headstones are purchased by the family and must meet requirements specified by the Cemetery Committee. Memorial services are to be scheduled and planned by the family with the Manchester UMC clergy.

To search for plots available for purchase (identified by green dots), click here.

John Wesley Ward Meditation & Memorial Wall

Photo of John Wesley Ward Meditation and Memorial Wall.

The Memorial Wall was established in 2002 and is named after John Wesley Ward, Pastor Emeritus of Manchester United Methodist Church. The Memorial Wall is located in the Meditation Garden at the Northwest corner of the Sanctuary just outside of the Marble Entrance. It is offered to those whose remains are not available for ground burial or in-nichement of cremated remains, and are not interred in any other location. Engraving is included in the purchase price and will include only the name and birth and death dates.  There are no other charges or fees. Insignias, emblems or verses are not permitted. A space may be pre-purchased. The engraving will not take place until the death occurs. Care of the Memorial Wall and Garden is the responsibility of the Memorial Garden Committee.

Columbarium

The Columbarium was added to our offerings in 2007. It provides a final resting place for those who have selected cremation as their final disposition. The Columbarium is located at the Northwest corner of the church building and is part of the Memorial Garden. There are single and companion niches available for purchase.

The size of the niches are as follows: single – 6 ½ x 7 inches; double – 10 ¾ x 7 inches. Any type or material of cremation urn may be used provided it fits in the niche. The urn is to be purchased by the family or agent. It is not provided by the Cemetery Committee. Engraving is included in the purchase price of the niche and will include only the name and birth and death dates.  There are no other charges or fees. Insignias, emblems or verses are not permitted. If desired, memorial services may be scheduled and planned by the family with the clergy. Care of the Columbarium and Garden is the responsibility of the Memorial Garden Committee

Cemetery Endowment Fund

The Cemetery, John Wesley Ward Meditation & Memorial Wall, and the Manchester UMC Columbarium operate independently of the church. The cost of maintaining the grounds comes from proceeds of the sale of burial plots, Columbarium niches, and Memory Wall inscriptions. The obligation to maintain the grounds, Columbarium, and wall extends into perpetuity. The sale of plots, niches, and inscriptions will someday not provide income needed for maintenance.

A Manchester UMC Cemetery Endowment Fund was established in 1993. The fund is a custodial account with the Missouri United Methodist Foundation. The Manchester UMC Endowment Committee has oversight of the financial aspects of the fund while the Cemetery Committee is responsible for decisions regarding the use of the fund. Currently, the Endowment Fund has assets of approximately $100,000. Based on current maintenance costs, the Endowment and the Cemetery Committee believe it will take a fund of at least $200,000 to provide enough returns to cover maintenance costs when proceeds from new sales no longer cover costs.

Information on making gifts to the Endowment Fund directed to the Cemetery Fund can be found on this page.

Information

If interested in further information, including costs or purchasing any of the offerings for a final resting place of a loved one, please contact the church office at 636-394-7506. View a brief tour of the cemetery below.

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