t. John’s Episcopal Church, Huntingdon Valley
Churchyard Regulations:

Revised by the vestry June 13th 2005

All interments in the Churchyard shall be subject to such rules and regulations as the Vestry shall from time to time establish; the only right that the grantee of a lot shall acquire is the right of sepulture. This right may not be transferred without the consent of the vestry, and transfer may be only to a member of the original grantee’s immediate family.

A grantee must be a confirmed member currently active at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Huntingdon Valley, PA at the time of purchase. Church membership is more fully defined in Article II, Section 1 of the church’s current By-Laws.

Information with reference to purchase of lots may be obtained at the church office.

1. WHO MAY BE BURIED

All persons buried in the Churchyard shall be baptized Christians or members of the Parish family.

2. PURCHASE OF LOTS

Due notice in writing should be given of one’s intention to buy a lot in the Churchyard.

A lot may be purchased for such amount as has been established by the vestry. The purchase price must be paid in full at the time of purchase.

3. GRAVESTONES AND MARKERS

All stone work must have the written approval of the church before being carried out. The property committee reserves the right to refuse permission to text, designs, and other features that are deemed unacceptable to the church. The property committee’s decision is final in these matters. The following guidelines must at all times be followed, and are given for guidance:

Stones or markers indicating location of a grave shall not exceed in size 26 inches by 44 inches. Cremation markers are not to exceed 14 inches by 30 inches, unless the markers are to be for a family plot with additional names added at which time the larger marker may be advisable. Stones or markers are to be placed in a flat position, the exposed surface laid on a level with the sod.

Due to several cremations fitting in one lot under one family marker (26” x 44”), the stone or marker may be placed on such a foundation as to allow it to be easily lifted for burial of additional remains. This accommodation will be cremation lots only. Previous to June 2005 the burial of two bodies in one grave was not permitted, and this shall remain the policy for lots granted before this date. For cemetery lots granted after this date two bodies may be buried in one grave.

All stones and markers must be approved by the Property Committee before they may be placed. All stones or markers are to be placed on foundations.

4. GRAVE OPENINGS

Opening and preparation of a grave must be done according to instructions obtained from the church office which will be done in conjunction with the mortuary involved. Due to State law, all remains will be presented by a mortuary who will see that all the necessary permits are obtained. No grave may be opened without being authorized by the church office. The church office has information on the current fee for opening a grave.

5. FUNERAL SERVICES AND BURIALS

Neither the date nor the hour of a service held at St. John’s should be established by the family without first consulting the Rector.

No time should be set for an interment without first consulting the Rector, or the church office. No interments will be scheduled for a Sunday.

All interments shall be conducted by the clergy on the staff of St. John’s or their appointee. In the absence of all clergy, the service shall be conducted by the appointee of the church Wardens.

There is a fee for services and interments conducted by St John’s Episcopal Church on behalf of non-members (people who are not at the date of their death pledging and active worshipping members of St John’s Episcopal Church).

6. PLANTING AND DECORATIONS

The landscaping, maintenance and care of the Churchyard shall be done solely at the direction, and with the approval, of the Property Committee.

No permanent planting shall be done by the lot holder.

Potted plants or seasonal decorations will be removed at the discretion of the Property Committee when deemed necessary. Easter plants and/or Memorial Day decorations may be picked up by the family during the two week period after that holiday. They will be removed after that time.

No permanently placed containers are permitted above or below ground level.

All the regulations are subject to change without notice by the Vestry. It is therefore suggested that the holders of certificates, having the right of sepulture, consult with the church office before taking any action with reference to the lots represented by their certificate.

 

St John’s Episcopal Church Cemetery Fees
Adopted by the vestry June 13th 2005

These fees are to be used in conjunction with the Churchyard Regulations revised on June 13th. The vestry reserves the right to change without notice this fee structure.

Lot prices

New burial lot*, double depth burial: $1,500 (*includes pepetual care)

New cremation lot*: $400 (*includes pepetual care)

Opening fee

Burial lot $950

Cremation lot $300

Perpetual care fee for burial lot* $500

Perpetual care fee for cremation lot* $150

*The perpetual care fee is to be charged to each lot holder who purchased a lot prior to 2005 at the time of a grave opening. Perpetual care was not included in lot prices prior to 2005.

Service fees for non members

Burials for individuals who are not pledging and active members of St John’s Episcopal Church shall incur the following fees:

Clergy honorarium $150

Church fee $300

Total service fee $450

Optional fees for the use of the Parish Hall: Rental of Parish Hall $150

Cleaning fee $100