Memorial Garden

St. Bede’s has dedicated a Memorial Garden on the northern side of the church for the interment of ashes after cremation. The Garden and the Memorial Wall were built from a generous bequest to the parish from the estate of the late E.M. Schroder.

The character of the garden is intended to be one of naturalness, simplicity and peace. In burying the ashes it is intended that they become part of the earth from which we come, completing our cycle of life. There will, therefore, be no distinguishing marks in the garden. Small plaques may be attached to the bricks on the Memorial Wall, and a further record will be made in the parish burial records.

Application Process

1. Applications for use of the Memorial Garden for the interment of cremated should be made to the Parish Office.
2. Ashes may be interred in the garden, not scattered. No exhumation is possible. If a container is interred it must be biodegradable.
3. The position of the ashes will not be identified exactly in the garden. Applicants can order for a bronze plaque from the parish office to be affixed to the wall of the garden.
4. Adjoining spaces can be reserved for a relative or relatives. Such reservation will be secured on payment of the full fee at current prices.
5. Under some circumstances plaques may be installed for those whose ashes have been interred or scattered elsewhere.
6. Only the bronze plaques ordered by the Parish may be installed. The plaque is 11cm x 7cm x 2mm thick. Two plaques may be installed on one brick. It allows for 4-5 lines of writing. The parish will supply suitable samples to assist you with wording on the plaque.
7. The fee for interment including the plaque, and the services of the priest, in 2025 is $700. Fees will be reviewed every two years. The fee for a plaque only is $300. No refunds are given.
8. To mark special anniversaries with flowers, you may consider supplying flowers for the church services that week. Small sprays of flowers may be placed next to the memorial wall. Flowers left in this way will be removed regularly
9. No monument, marker, flag, wreath, or other object, other than those structures and plantings placed by the Parish Council shall be erected or placed upon or in the area designated as the Memorial Garden.
10. A service of interment is the final act of the funeral service and is in keeping with the site being consecrated ground. It will be held at the time of placing of the ashes. This can take place at a time arranged with the priest.
11. Families should be advised if you have reserved and paid for interment and a plaque location.
12. Enquiries to the Parish Office
    • phone 8449 5064
    • email office@stbedessemaphore.org.au

download the memorial garden application form