We have general information and fees for you in downloadable leaflets, called “Customaries” for the service. These leaflets are designed to give you background information, based on the customary or usual practices, of the Book of Common Prayer, the Episcopal Church, and the tradition here at the Church of the Redeemer. We encourage you to read the appropriate leaflet before calling the office (610-525-2486) to arrange your service.

Download the customary for Funerals. 

Funerals – answers to questions you may have:

1. What do I do first?
   Please contact the Parish Office (610) 525-2486 as soon as possible following a death to make arrangements for funerals, memorial services, and interments.

2. Can I announce the funeral time and date before I’ve met with the clergy?
   No, the clergy must be consulted before scheduling a service at Church of the Redeemer.

3. Which funeral director should I choose?
   You are free to use the funeral director of your choice. The following funeral director has been used frequently by those planning funeral services and interments at the Church of the Redeemer, and is aware of our fees and policies.

Chadwick & McKinney, Ardmore, PA (610) 642-6303

(Rodger McKinney is a Redeemer parishioner)

4. Can I have an open casket funeral?
   In the Episcopal Church a funeral pall is used to cover the casket during the service. The casket remains closed throughout the service.

5. Are there plots for burial in the Churchyard?
   Grave plots are available for full burials and cremations in the Churchyard and Memorial Garden.

6. What about flowers?
   The Flower Guild of the Church of the Redeemer will prepare all the floral arrangements for funerals and memorial services. These flowers become the property of the church and, when possible, are used as memorials of the life of the deceased during Sunday services.

7. Can I arrange a reception at Redeemer?
   Yes. We have space for receptions following funerals and memorial services, subject to availability and occupancy restrictions. The Assembly Room will hold up to 65 people seated, or120 standing. The Shortridge Room will hold up to 24 people seated, or 35 standing. These two rooms may be opened into one space for increased capacity. Use of the kitchen is included in the fee.

When planning a Funeral or Memorial Service, click here for a complete listing of appropriate scripture readings. 

When planning a Funeral or Memorial Service, click here for a listing of hymns that are appropriate for funerals. 

Please contact Francesca Merritt, Program Assistant, for further information. Phone: 610-525-2486 ext. 14 or email Francesca Merritt.

Gravesites

Each plot measures 16’x16’ (256 square feet) and is divided into eight 4’x8’ graves. Plots may be purchased whole for $7,200, or individual graves for $900. Each grave may contain no more than two full body interments or four cremated interments.

• Each grave may contain no more than two memorial stones.
   

• Individual grave plantings are restricted to those approved by the Churchyard Committee.
  A list of approved plants is available here.
   

• The Church of the Redeemer provides basic landscaping services throughout the graveyard. This includes lawn mowing, common flowerbed weeding, tree management and seasonal clean-up.
   

Click here for the graveyard by-laws

Click here for Burial Plot Locations courtesy of the Lower Merion Historical Society

Memorial Stone Markers

It is our policy that any memorial stone placed in the churchyard must be in keeping with the general design and appearance of those already there. All monument makers are required to send a sketch of the proposed marker to the Parish Administrator for written approval before the final installation of the stone in our churchyard. Memorial stones require foundations constructed to our specifications. Care and maintenance of the memorial stones is the responsibility of the plot owner. Stones not repaired in a reasonable time will be repaired by the Church of the Redeemer and billed to the plot owner.

We do not recommend any one stone mason, however, the following companies have done most of the existing work in the churchyard:

• Harvard C. Wood, Inc., Lansdowne, PA (610) 622-0550

• Malvern Granite Company, Malvern, PA (610) 644-1883

Memorial Garden

Memorial Garden spaces are available for the interment of cremated remains. Spaces may be purchased for two or four interments. Please see the Funeral Customary for fees. Each space is covered by a slate block. Names and dates of birth and death of those interred may be inscribed on the slate block. Any other inscriptions are not allowed.

Click here for a copy of the Chuchyard Committee's section of the 2014 Annual Report.