At the last International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA) conference, HCC President Paul K. Williams was struck with the aesthetic of a tall granite obelisk that reminded him of the many historic monuments located on the grounds at Congressional. Except this one was different: a modern rendition that is pre-assembled and designed to hold cremains. Standing nearly ten feet tall, the columbarium was impressive indeed.
The obelisk has a total of 20 companion niches, each holding between two and three urns or cremated remains. Ten compartments are located on each side, with individual panels that can be engraved with names and dates when the ashes are placed. The monument is manufactured by the Eickhof Company of Crookston, Massachusetts. The ten foot model can be owned by a cemetery and placed on common ground and the compartment
s sold to individual families as needed; other models as small as four niches can be purchased by families and installed on a purchased plot.
Currently, the only option for cremated remains at Congressional is burial, unless you own a family vault. HCC sells 1/3 size plots for this purpose, or families can bury up to nine cremains atop a traditional casket burial. HCC Staff have located an idyllic location for a potential obelisk at the end of Congress Street, south of the chapel. The surrounding area would be landscaped with bench spaces incorporated. So far, three individuals have expressed interest in purchasing space in the obelisk, and as soon as several others also express interest, the cemetery will welcome the newest obelisk addition to its grounds. Contact staff@congressionalcemetery.org to find out more details.
