It may be a resting place for the dead, but there’s nothing mysterious about St. John’s Columbarium.  The word “columbarium” itself may be unfamiliar, however; one yokel thought it meant you just ring up the church and “call and bury ‘em!”  Seriously, the word denotes a room or building designed to hold the cremated remains of the deceased.  It comes from the Latin word columba for “dove,” and refers to “compartmentalized housing for doves.” (From Wikipedia)

The idea to install a columbarium at St. John’s began in the early 2000s and gained momentum after long-time member Vernon Johnson died and his family and friends donated funds to create such a sacred space.  Vern was a retired FBI special agent who then worked as a Breckenridge real estate broker until 1989.  He died October 2, 2001. 

The J.R. Evans company produced the overall structure and niches; Savage Architecture provided the construction work to create the space featuring a slate floor, niches for a crucifix and candles, lighting in the crown molding and a stone bench.  Forty double and eight single niches were installed.  Much discussion ensued at vestry meetings as to who would be eligible for interment in the columbarium (members only?) as well as the appropriate cost for each niche.  Some argued that a certain number of niches should be reserved for the indigent. 

The space was also designed to include a stained glass window to be installed in a door formerly (prior to recent construction) on the north side of the church.  Two designs were considered for the stained glass: one depicting Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the other a scene of the baptism of Jesus by John at the Jordan (or possibly, the Blue) River.  The Good Shepherd won out. 

The total cost to build the columbarium was $21,638.47, most (or possibly all) of which was provided through memorial gifts and donations.  Bishop Jerry Winterrowd visited St. John’s on July 14, 2002 and officiated at the dedication of the columbarium. 

Our church’s recently completed renovation included a relocation of the columbarium to the lower level.  With subtle lighting and updated finishes, the space retains a familiar but equally serene feeling.