We are building a Memorial Garden, and we need your help!
How did this come about?
This project is a long time coming. Many years ago, the hope was for NMC to have its own cemetery. Unfortunately, Manheim Township and the local community does not allow that where we are. So, back in a 2017 Campus Plan, a Memorial Garden was suggested as an alternative: this would be a beautiful space to remember and honor our loved ones and those who came before us.
Finally, in 2024, Lucas Campbell came to the staff and elders with the idea to build the Memorial Garden as his Eagle Scout project. After some conversation, he got approval, put together a committee, and got to work. After working with Brad Groff of River Valley Landscaping, the committee has a finalized design, and the Finance Committee has opened up a Capital Campaign to raise the funds needed to build the garden.
What will the Garden look like?
This garden will feature a brick walkway leading to a circular brick patio surrounded by a brick wall, with a columbarium to hold urns in the middle. It will be surrounded by flowers and greenery. The design and renderings of the final product can be found below.
How will this Garden help us remember people?
Each brick in this Memorial Garden can be engraved with the name of a loved one. Anyone in our church can have a brick engraved with anyone they want to remember. Since the majority of this garden is made of brick, there are plenty available.
There will also be a columbarium in which loved ones’ ashes can be placed. You can also reserve a space for your own ashes in the future.
Finally, we will be placing plaques onto the walls with the names of our charter members and other significant names to help us remember the legacy and history of Neffsville Mennonite Church. Our aim is also to make this garden beautiful, so that it is a place where people can come and spend some time in the presence of beauty, remembering those they love.
How much will this cost? When will it get done?
The fundraising goal for this project is $100,000. We are building a high-quality, durable garden that will allow us to remember people for a long time. This fundraising goal will help us not only build the garden but also keep up with its maintenance going forward. We will set a time for River Valley Landscaping to begin building as soon as we have about 70% of the funds pledged. We hope to have it built before the fall.
How can I help? How can I reserve a brick or niche in the columbarium?
You can help contribute to the building of the garden, and reserve a space for your loved one in the same process!
Giving/Reservation Options:
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Give a general gift to the building of the garden. Whatever amount you give will be matched by the Vera Martin Estate up to $20,000.
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Reserve a brick with anyone’s name on it, yours or a loved one’s: $500 per brick
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Sponsor bricks for those who cannot afford to buy bricks: $500 per brick
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Reserve a niche in the columbarium for your or a loved one’s ashes: $1,500 per niche
Both the general giving and the reservation of bricks and niches will help us get to our goal amount to begin building the garden.
To let us know how much to expect, you can fill out a pledge form on how much you intend to give and/or what bricks/niches you would like to reserve. These pledges are due by June 1st. The fulfillment of those pledges can come at your earliest convenience.
You can make your pledge at this online form, or via the form in the foyer at church.
FAQs:
Where do I write the check to, and how? Designate the check to Neffsville Mennonite Church and write “Memorial Garden” and the purpose of the gift on the memo line (ex. “Memorial Garden - Brick”, or “Memorial Garden - Niche”).
Can two sets of ashes be placed in one niche? Can I fit two names on that plaque? Yes, a couple can fit remains into the same niche under one contribution. The plaque will have enough space for the names and dates of birth and death.
How many words on a brick? Each brick can fit up to 3 lines with 18 characters on each (including spaces and characters). Example - Line 1: “Lucas Campbell”, Line 2: “NMC Eagle Project”, Line 3: “2025”.
Can ashes be spread? Yes, ashes can be spread in and around the Memorial Garden.
Who are we working with? As of now we are working with River Valley Landscapes, Drohan Brick & Hardscaping, and Heritage Monuments LLC.
Where can I review the design plans? Scroll down to the bottom of this page, or reach out to Lucas for more information.
Who can get a brick, niche, or plaque? Anyone can reserve any space for current or future use. They can be designated for a person you wish to memorialize, or for yourself in the future.
Who can I reach out to with more questions? Questions can be directed to Lucas Campbell, reachable at lucas.reed.campbell@gmail.com.
