MEMORIAL GARDEN
PURPOSE OF THE MEMORIAL GARDEN
The Memorial Garden is a final resting place for cremated ashes of members of the church and their loved ones. The options for interments are in the Columbarium, where each niche holds up to two cremains, or in an in-ground plot, where each plot holds up to three cremains. An option for the scattering of ashes is currently on hold until the garden is re-established. The Memorial Garden is not a graveyard, but rather a quiet space for meditation and prayer in lovely natural surroundings.
HISTORY
The Memorial Garden was created in 1972 in the southwest corner of the 19 Church Street, property owned by First Presbyterian of Pittsford. The initial gifts for the creation of the Memorial Garden were dedicated in memory of Susan Fitzsimmons. On November 25, 1973, the garden, as directed by Session, was dedicated in her name.
The vision of Susan’s parents, Janet and Donald Fitzsimmons, was to develop a beautiful and peaceful place of memory and meditation. Benches, plantings and only names and suitable inscriptions on memorial plaques (no emblems, dates of birth and death) all add to the aesthetically pleasing surroundings. Furthermore, no wreaths, flags, planted flowers, or anything of an ornamental nature may be placed in the garden. At the Fitzsimmons’ request for a garden sanctuary: “Leave nothing but your loving memories and meditations”.
In 1989, the garden was renovated under the direction of landscape architect, Ann Gallagher. The central design of the garden was a Celtic cross, a reminder of our eternal life in Jesus Christ and our Scottish heritage. Plots, plantings, benches, an ornamental tree for the garden’s center, and an entrance arbor were added.
In 1999, church member Ray Feasey completed the beautiful hand-crafted memorial boards that are displayed in the church library. Each person whose ashes have been interred or scattered in the garden as well as birth and death dates is commemorated there.
In 2009, John H. McGee and Sons Monuments installed a granite cross in the center of the garden. The Greek inscription etched on the cross center means “Jesus”.
In November 2019, a new arbor was installed at the garden’s entrance in loving memory of Virginia Dunn.
RENOVATION
In 2025, Session and Trustees approved a major renovation of the Memorial Garden space to restore the sanctuary garden to the original intent with privacy and natural beauty. Other objectives were to improve the accessibility of the garden by widening walkways, to reduce caretaking tasks by looking at more maintenance-free features, and to increase the number of interment sites as our congregation has shown renewed interest in the Memorial Garden as a final resting place for loved ones. The arborvitae perimeter, the remaining black walnut trees and old fencing have been removed. A wooden fence has been erected around the entire garden. The paver stone walkway has been replaced with an aggregate concrete walkway, widening the walk for easier accessibility. Two granite columbaria are planned to increase the number of interment sites. Finally new landscaping has recreated the feel of a true garden sanctuary with plantings that are deer and black walnut resistant and easier to maintain.
The work is headed by a group of dedicated volunteer FPC members. A rededication ceremony of the garden is planned for Spring 2026.
INTERMENT IN THE MEMORIAL GARDEN
WHO MAY BE INTERRED?
Cremated remains of church members on the active or inactive roll are welcomed for interment, including spouses and children of those members. The Pastors will notify the Board of Trustees, through its Memorial Garden Committee, if other family members’ interments are requested.
FEES FOR INTERMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF THE GARDEN
A one-time fee for each interment location will be charged at registration. Current fees for interments:
In-ground plot = $1,000/plot (was $500 per interment)
Columbarium = $1,750/niche (will increase to $2,000/niche in July 2026)
Scattering of Ashes = (this option is currently on hold until the garden landscaping is re-established). If this option is renewed, the pricing will be determined.
WHAT IS A COLUMBARIUM
A columbarium is a wall-like structure that houses crypts for cremains and, as such, serves as the final resting place for those who are interred there. Our plan is for, eventually, two columbaria - each one will have 48 niches, holding up to 2 cremains, each
TO LEARN MORE
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