A print of Ruth Lewis Heyder’s 1998 “Christ Through the Ages” is located on the back wall, next to our columbarium. This work of art depicts the Communion of the Saints as described in the Apostles Creed: The Holy Ghost unites the members of the Church into one common body that cannot be separated by time and space. As Hymn 207 says, “One body we, one body who partake, with all thy saints on earth and saints at rest.” This union answers the human need for genuine, intimate and mutually fulfilling relationships with others – as opposed to the false, shallow and selfish nature of fallen human relationships.
It is appropriate that this work of art reside next to the columbarium. In the Anglican tradition of caring for its parishioners from birth and baptism to death and burial, church yards often served as cemeteries. As cremation has become more popular, many have built columbaria to provide a tranquil and holy setting for the inurnment of ashes. We are grateful we can offer that comfort to our parishioners and our families in a beautiful columbarium within the church.
When our Lord returns to Earth on the Day of Judgment, the dead in Christ will rise from the dead. Because of this, many of the faithful see it more than fitting to be on Holy Ground to meet our Lord when He returns. When we celebrate the Holy Eucharist, we can experience in its fullness the Communion of the Saints, for as we behold our Lord veiled in the Blessed Sacrament, so our loved ones who have gone on to Paradise, now behold our Lord face to face. It is in and through Christ that we have communion with those who rest in Him.
Write a comment: