Memorial Wall and Cinerarium
at First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque

The Memorial Wall and Cinerarium is a monument dedicated to remembering the departed members and friends of our church. It is located in the back garden of the Schulte-Cahalan social hall. It holds the ashes of deceased members of our community and plaques that list the names and birth and death dates of deceased members of our community. A plaque may be on the wall whether or not a person’s ashes are in the wall.

Who may be remembered on the Wall?

Members, friends, and children of First Unitarian Church and others who have had a meaningful association with the church may be memorialized. A committee will review any other requests.

Phone Numbers
First Unitarian Church Office  (505) 884-1801
Christine Robinson, Senior Minister
David Grimm, Associate Minister
Trish Colombo, Church Administrator

What are the options?

Families or friends may chose to (1) place a person’s ashes in the cinerarium and a nameplate on the wall, (2) place a nameplate on the wall, or (3) place ashes in the cinerarium. All or a portion of a person’s ashes may go in the wall.

Where do the ashes go?

The back of the wall is hollow, with an opening on the top, behind the mountain-scape. There are no separate compartments, so all ashes will be intermingled. A permanent record of all ashes, including the ashes of those whose names are not placed on the wall, will be kept with the church’s permanent records.

How do I get my loved one memorialized?
Families must sign an agreement to either place ashes or to place a plaque, and pay the fee for the plaque. It takes about three weeks to have the plaque made.

Is there a ceremony for this?
Families who want to have a ceremony to place ashes or celebrate the placement of a plaque should contact the church office to schedule the space, and the ministers for help with the ceremony.

Can I reserve a place now and relieve my family of this burden?
Yes.

How do I start the process?
Complete both forms--Cinerarium Agreement and an Application for a Memorial Wall Plaque--and then return them to the church office along with a check for $100.

Fees:
Family or friends will be asked to pay a service fee of $100 to cover the cost of making and installing the nameplate. There will be no charge for interring ashes, although family and friends are encouraged to make a donation in memory of their loved one.