Grafton Christian Church Cemetery Trust Agreement and Policy
INTRODUCTION: The grounds of Grafton Christian Church have been used for burial sites since the Civil War. We have endeavored to provide a place of rest for loved ones placed in our care and to ease the loss of those held dear. The policies governing the church cemetery have been modified and edited throughout the last 127 years in an effort to maintain the desires and needs of our church family and the maintenance of the cemetery.
TRUST AGREEMENT AND POLICY: A trust agreement was made on April 23, 1975 by the congregation of Grafton Christian Church and Trustees of the Church and Trustees of the Cemetery, hereafter referred to as "Cemetery Trustees" (church selected and court appointed). The trust established five persons as "Cemetery Trustees" for a term of five years to commence and carry on the operation of the Cemetery Maintenance Plan. Each five-year term is staggered so one expires each year. Cemetery Trustees may be selected and appointed to succeed themselves at the expiration of their term. A Chairman will be selected by a majority vote of the Cemetery Trustees. The cemetery policy was first established on February 20, 1891 and has been revised over the years with approval of the Church Board. This cemetery policy was revised and approved by the Cemetery Trustees and the Church Board on January 1, 2019.
PROVISIONS FOR CEMETERY MAINTENANCE: The Church Cemetery Fund, maintained by gifts and burial fees, will insure continued maintenance of the cemetery within the church grounds. As of January 1, 2019 a non-refundable maintenance fee of $250 will be assessed at time of burial. Revenue from this fund will be used solely to maintain, enhance and develop the cemetery.
POLICIES: Policies pertaining to burial sites, cemetery development and operation are described as follows:
1) OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Cemetery Trustees have responsibility for activities associated with planning and improving cemetery property, assigning and using burial sites, and maintaining complete records of the cemetery and burial site assignments. These Trustees represent the church in contacts with site assignees and their families, funeral homes, and monument/marker companies. The Trustees are also responsible for compiling updating and storing burial records in a secure file. Cemetery Trustees will also provide an annual report to the congregation in the annual handbook and directory and other reports as delineated in the church by-laws.
2) ELIGIBILITY FOR BURIAL:
a) Members of Grafton Christian Church who are faithfully and continually participating in the ministries of the church by their presence, their gifts and their service are eligible to be interred in the cemetery. Eligible members that have become incapacitated and unable to participate in the ministries of the church will retain eligibility.
The Cemetery Trustees will determine the eligibility of the deceased to be interred in the cemetery. Cemetery plots will no longer be preassigned. All burials will be assessed a $250 maintenance fee at the time of burial. All past assigned plots in the cemetery book and written permits will be honored with the maintenance and any eligibility fees added as per Cemetery Policy.
Spouses of eligible members, ministers of Grafton Christian Church and minors (persons under 18 years of age) of eligible members may be interred in the cemetery.
b) The fee for nonmember spouses of living eligible members or nonmembers who have a spouse interred in the cemetery has increased from the present $950 to $2000.
c) Members who no longer meet the eligibility requirements of paragraph (a) may be buried in the cemetery for a fee of $2000. (This fee will be charged to those persons who have chosen to no longer support the ministries of Grafton Christian Church but leave their names on the membership roll.)
d) Cremated remains of inactive and nonmember relatives of those buried in the cemetery are eligible to be buried in the same plot as their relatives. As per the October 1, 2014 adopted policy a $950 fee will be assessed.
3) BURIAL SITE:
a) Authorization for burial is not a property right and may not be assigned or transferred to any other person.
b) Plots previously designated but not used or designated for a person no longer qualified may be re-designated by the cemetery committee.
c) All burials will be subject to eligibility requirements and fees as determined by the Cemetery Trustees and Church Board.
d) Paupers will be given consideration and a permit may be issued at the discretion of the Cemetery Trustees and Church Board.
4) BURIALS:
a) The Cemetery Trustees must have at least two days advance notice of the need for interment and all burial fees must be paid at this time.
b) The number of vaults in a single interment site will be limited to one.
c) For inurnment sites, up to six urns will be allowed per site.
d) No above ground crypt or vault is allowed.
e) Prior to each burial, the Cemetery Trustees will lay off the site for excavation.
f) For interments, the opening and closing of the site and the removal of excess dirt will be the responsibility of the funeral director. Cemetery Trustees will be present during the entire operation and will retain the option of keeping the dirt. The funeral director will assure that the grave is properly tamped so that the ground will not settle below its original configuration. If it does settle, the Cemetery Trustees will contact the funeral director for corrective action.
5) MARKERS AND MONUMENTS:
a) All markers or monuments shall maintain the dignity of the cemetery and require prior written approval of the Cemetery Trustees. Persons desiring a tombstone will submit an application form as attached.
b) Cemetery Trustees will mark all areas for markers/monuments and will monitor the installation.
c) Markers or monuments are allowed only if remains are, or will be interred.
d) The date and time of delivery of markers/monuments and installation will be arranged in advance with the Cemetery Trustees.
e) No curbs or railing, burial site corner markers, fences, wall, benches, hedges, trellises, post-and-chain enclosures, steps, boxing, borders or any other nonconforming structures are permitted.
f) Each monument and/or headstone must be installed on a concrete footing. The footing must be constructed with its top surface level and at ground height. It shall extend six inches (6") on each side and end of the stone it serves. It must be six inches (6") thick with perpendicular sides and ends. Each individual burial site is limited to a width of four feet. Each monument and/or headstone shall not exceed 3 feet in height.
6) SITE REGULATIONS:
a) Fresh cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time. Metal temporary flower containers are permitted.
b) Floral arrangements that interfere with normal mowing and trimming will be removed by the Cemetery Trustees.
c) Artificial flowers may be used but will be removed if they become unsightly.
d) Saddle type artificial flower arrangements on top of headstones are encouraged and permitted but will be removed if they become unsightly.
e) Use of a tripod type holder is not permitted except during the burial service.
f) Planted flowers and shrubs, etc. are not permitted.
g) Potted plants and other floral items will be removed when they become faded, wilted or unsightly.
h) Statues, vigil lights, glass objects, including containers, and similar types of commemorative items, are not permitted.
i) Bricks, rocks, etc. will not be used to support flower containers.
j) Flowers are permitted ONLY on gravesites.
k) Use of permanent flower urns is permitted on graves subject to approval of the Cemetery Trustees.
l) Any item, decoration, etc. placed on or around the gravesite that could pose potential danger to visitors or staff will be removed.
m) The site land level and profile shall not be altered.
n) The family shall remove all flowers, containers and debris within ten (10) days after the burial. The Cemetery Trustees will remove debris after the 10 day period.
o) Please contact Cemetery Trustees through Grafton Christian Church for information regarding any regulation or policy.
8) OTHER POLICIES: No alcoholic beverages are to be brought onto the Cemetery grounds. It is your right as a family member, friend or visitor to expect an atmosphere of respect and reverence during your visit to the Grafton Christian Church Cemetery.
9) TRUSTEES COMMENTS: This Cemetery policy supersedes all previous policies (including January 1, 2004 and October 1, 2014). Questions concerning policy, not addressed in this document, will be resolved by the Cemetery Trustees. Amendments may be made by a majority of the Cemetery Trustees with approval by the Church Board. The Cemetery Trustees are not responsible or liable for violation of Cemetery policy.
INTRODUCTION: The grounds of Grafton Christian Church have been used for burial sites since the Civil War. We have endeavored to provide a place of rest for loved ones placed in our care and to ease the loss of those held dear. The policies governing the church cemetery have been modified and edited throughout the last 127 years in an effort to maintain the desires and needs of our church family and the maintenance of the cemetery.
TRUST AGREEMENT AND POLICY: A trust agreement was made on April 23, 1975 by the congregation of Grafton Christian Church and Trustees of the Church and Trustees of the Cemetery, hereafter referred to as "Cemetery Trustees" (church selected and court appointed). The trust established five persons as "Cemetery Trustees" for a term of five years to commence and carry on the operation of the Cemetery Maintenance Plan. Each five-year term is staggered so one expires each year. Cemetery Trustees may be selected and appointed to succeed themselves at the expiration of their term. A Chairman will be selected by a majority vote of the Cemetery Trustees. The cemetery policy was first established on February 20, 1891 and has been revised over the years with approval of the Church Board. This cemetery policy was revised and approved by the Cemetery Trustees and the Church Board on January 1, 2019.
PROVISIONS FOR CEMETERY MAINTENANCE: The Church Cemetery Fund, maintained by gifts and burial fees, will insure continued maintenance of the cemetery within the church grounds. As of January 1, 2019 a non-refundable maintenance fee of $250 will be assessed at time of burial. Revenue from this fund will be used solely to maintain, enhance and develop the cemetery.
POLICIES: Policies pertaining to burial sites, cemetery development and operation are described as follows:
1) OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Cemetery Trustees have responsibility for activities associated with planning and improving cemetery property, assigning and using burial sites, and maintaining complete records of the cemetery and burial site assignments. These Trustees represent the church in contacts with site assignees and their families, funeral homes, and monument/marker companies. The Trustees are also responsible for compiling updating and storing burial records in a secure file. Cemetery Trustees will also provide an annual report to the congregation in the annual handbook and directory and other reports as delineated in the church by-laws.
2) ELIGIBILITY FOR BURIAL:
a) Members of Grafton Christian Church who are faithfully and continually participating in the ministries of the church by their presence, their gifts and their service are eligible to be interred in the cemetery. Eligible members that have become incapacitated and unable to participate in the ministries of the church will retain eligibility.
The Cemetery Trustees will determine the eligibility of the deceased to be interred in the cemetery. Cemetery plots will no longer be preassigned. All burials will be assessed a $250 maintenance fee at the time of burial. All past assigned plots in the cemetery book and written permits will be honored with the maintenance and any eligibility fees added as per Cemetery Policy.
Spouses of eligible members, ministers of Grafton Christian Church and minors (persons under 18 years of age) of eligible members may be interred in the cemetery.
b) The fee for nonmember spouses of living eligible members or nonmembers who have a spouse interred in the cemetery has increased from the present $950 to $2000.
c) Members who no longer meet the eligibility requirements of paragraph (a) may be buried in the cemetery for a fee of $2000. (This fee will be charged to those persons who have chosen to no longer support the ministries of Grafton Christian Church but leave their names on the membership roll.)
d) Cremated remains of inactive and nonmember relatives of those buried in the cemetery are eligible to be buried in the same plot as their relatives. As per the October 1, 2014 adopted policy a $950 fee will be assessed.
3) BURIAL SITE:
a) Authorization for burial is not a property right and may not be assigned or transferred to any other person.
b) Plots previously designated but not used or designated for a person no longer qualified may be re-designated by the cemetery committee.
c) All burials will be subject to eligibility requirements and fees as determined by the Cemetery Trustees and Church Board.
d) Paupers will be given consideration and a permit may be issued at the discretion of the Cemetery Trustees and Church Board.
4) BURIALS:
a) The Cemetery Trustees must have at least two days advance notice of the need for interment and all burial fees must be paid at this time.
b) The number of vaults in a single interment site will be limited to one.
c) For inurnment sites, up to six urns will be allowed per site.
d) No above ground crypt or vault is allowed.
e) Prior to each burial, the Cemetery Trustees will lay off the site for excavation.
f) For interments, the opening and closing of the site and the removal of excess dirt will be the responsibility of the funeral director. Cemetery Trustees will be present during the entire operation and will retain the option of keeping the dirt. The funeral director will assure that the grave is properly tamped so that the ground will not settle below its original configuration. If it does settle, the Cemetery Trustees will contact the funeral director for corrective action.
5) MARKERS AND MONUMENTS:
a) All markers or monuments shall maintain the dignity of the cemetery and require prior written approval of the Cemetery Trustees. Persons desiring a tombstone will submit an application form as attached.
b) Cemetery Trustees will mark all areas for markers/monuments and will monitor the installation.
c) Markers or monuments are allowed only if remains are, or will be interred.
d) The date and time of delivery of markers/monuments and installation will be arranged in advance with the Cemetery Trustees.
e) No curbs or railing, burial site corner markers, fences, wall, benches, hedges, trellises, post-and-chain enclosures, steps, boxing, borders or any other nonconforming structures are permitted.
f) Each monument and/or headstone must be installed on a concrete footing. The footing must be constructed with its top surface level and at ground height. It shall extend six inches (6") on each side and end of the stone it serves. It must be six inches (6") thick with perpendicular sides and ends. Each individual burial site is limited to a width of four feet. Each monument and/or headstone shall not exceed 3 feet in height.
6) SITE REGULATIONS:
a) Fresh cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time. Metal temporary flower containers are permitted.
b) Floral arrangements that interfere with normal mowing and trimming will be removed by the Cemetery Trustees.
c) Artificial flowers may be used but will be removed if they become unsightly.
d) Saddle type artificial flower arrangements on top of headstones are encouraged and permitted but will be removed if they become unsightly.
e) Use of a tripod type holder is not permitted except during the burial service.
f) Planted flowers and shrubs, etc. are not permitted.
g) Potted plants and other floral items will be removed when they become faded, wilted or unsightly.
h) Statues, vigil lights, glass objects, including containers, and similar types of commemorative items, are not permitted.
i) Bricks, rocks, etc. will not be used to support flower containers.
j) Flowers are permitted ONLY on gravesites.
k) Use of permanent flower urns is permitted on graves subject to approval of the Cemetery Trustees.
l) Any item, decoration, etc. placed on or around the gravesite that could pose potential danger to visitors or staff will be removed.
m) The site land level and profile shall not be altered.
n) The family shall remove all flowers, containers and debris within ten (10) days after the burial. The Cemetery Trustees will remove debris after the 10 day period.
o) Please contact Cemetery Trustees through Grafton Christian Church for information regarding any regulation or policy.
8) OTHER POLICIES: No alcoholic beverages are to be brought onto the Cemetery grounds. It is your right as a family member, friend or visitor to expect an atmosphere of respect and reverence during your visit to the Grafton Christian Church Cemetery.
9) TRUSTEES COMMENTS: This Cemetery policy supersedes all previous policies (including January 1, 2004 and October 1, 2014). Questions concerning policy, not addressed in this document, will be resolved by the Cemetery Trustees. Amendments may be made by a majority of the Cemetery Trustees with approval by the Church Board. The Cemetery Trustees are not responsible or liable for violation of Cemetery policy.