By Joanne Rodgers, Bruce Peninsula Press
The Memorial Scattering Garden was created as a sanctuary, a sacred place, a quiet haven of rest, reflection and prayer. The Garden is situated behind Christ Church, 55 Main Street, Lion’s Head. In September 2008, consent was given by the Ontario Government for it to operate as a licensed place for the scattering of ashes under the Bereavement Act of Ontario.
With four years of volunteer effort creating a garden, the Memorial Scattering Garden became a reality and is open to all. “This is the Lord’s garden. All are welcome here,” reads the sign at the entry to the Garden.
Christ Church’s Annual Report says, “Our ministry is not only for those who profess the Christian faith: we care for the souls and ashes of any in our community and beyond, who request that their ashes or a loved one’s, rest in this Garden until the end of time.”
“The sad reality is that too often, bereaved families are left with an urn of ashes without any plans for them. Too often, funeral directors and crematoriums have to deal with unclaimed ashes. Christ Church wants community members to know about the Memorial Scattering Garden where they can bring the ashes of their loved ones – to a Garden tended with loving care,” said Alison Knight, churchwarden and trustee of the Garden.
The process for scattering ashes is a simple one. First, contact Christ Church, Lion’s Head (ph: 519 793-3784 or email: christchurch
lionshead@diohuron.org). The Church will set a mutually agreed date and assist in organizing the scattering, including help with arrangements for clergy if needed. There is a simple contract to sign.
The cost is $250, of which $150 goes to the Perpetual Care Fund to take care of the Garden in perpetuity. While the other $100 goes to upkeep of the Garden such as gardening, fence repairs, etc.
Each person whose ashes are scattered in the Garden has an engraved plaque with his or her name. The plaque is affixed to the stone plinth located within the Garden. Also, there is a recording of the scattering in the Register kept in the Church office.
The Board of the Memorial Scattering Garden looks forward to sharing their vision with all the members of the community and welcomes interested persons to visit the Garden at their leisure and/or attend their Open House in August to find out more about the Garden.
