Merion Friends Meeting
Burial and Memorial Guidelines
1. Cremation is mandatory. In addition, a cremation certificate is required by law and must be delivered to the Meeting to be kept on file.
2. All new burials must be in the newest section,closest to Merion Mercy (on the burial map, it’s entitled “Section opened 1936”). If there is room, markers must be placed in an existing row. All new rows are to be parallel to existing rows. There must also be enough room between rows for a lawn mower to move through.
3. New headstones must conform to our guidelines. It is strongly suggested that H.C. Wood Monument Company be used (610-622-0550), as they are very familiar with our burial ground and requirements. should be grey, white or a grey/white tone. Granite is recommended because it wears better, though marble may also be used. All markers should be of similar size: height above ground 10-12 inches, depth 4-6 inches, width 18 inches.
4. Non-member spouses of Merion Meeting members may be buried with their spouses. Every effort will be made to bury other family members who are members of Merion Meeting with family already interred, but consideration and allowance must be made for the continuing orderly use of the burying ground by future members. Upon request, Merion Meeting will also make every effort to bury other family members who are not members of Meeting with their family.
5. Because of limited space, no “in-perpetuity” guarantees can be made in regard to number 4 above.
6. The burial grounds will not be open to the public at large for burials.
7.While there is no charge for the burial plot, the family is expected to reimburse the caretaker for the labor involved in the burial of the ashes. A fee of $75 or more is suggested.
8. Members of PYM are eligible for reimbursement of their cremation expenses up to $500 from the Anna T. Jeanes Fund. Contact PYM.
9. All aspects of burials and memorials come under the stewardship of the Care and Counsel Committee, so questions about the use of the burial ground and memorials should be referred to that group.
Revised June 2020, Care and Counsel Committee
Please notify either the Clerk of the Meeting, the Clerk of Care & Counsel, or any member of Care & Counsel of the death.
A member of Care & Counsel will then be asked to serve as a liaison between the family and the Meeting.Care & Counsel’s liaison should be told of the family’s preference as to the date and time of the service, whether or not interment is to be in the Meeting’s burial ground, and if the Activities Building is to be used. The liaison will then check the Meeting’s calendar as to the availability of the buildings.
The family should review the procedure for a memorial service and go over any special requests with the liaison. All arrangements must be approved by Care & Counsel.
If the Activities Building is to be used, the liaison will review the guidelines for use of the building with the family.
Revised February 2019, Care and Counsel Committee
Text for Memorial Programs
The Religious Society of Friends holds, as the basis of its faith, the belief that God endows every human being with a measure of the Divine Spirit.
Our manner of worship is an outgrowth of this belief. We gather in quiet assemblies, mindful of the words: " Be still, and know that I am God."
A Friends memorial service is similar in many ways to a Meeting for Worship. We come together in reverent silence, with the desire to draw nearer to God, and to understand God's will. It is a time not only for sharing of loss, but also a time of thankfulness for the life of the person for whom the memorial service is held. We reflect on the value of that life as it relates to the lives of all of us.
All present share equally in this service. We sit quietly; at times an individual may be moved to speak, to offer prayer or a message that has come out of the silence. All are welcome to do this. The meeting is closed with handshakes.
The responsibility for the spiritual depth of the meeting rests with each attender. Those who keep silence, as well as those who give a vocal message, do their part when they yield their minds and hearts to the guidance of the Spirit.
Friends hope that in the Meeting for Worship a consciousness of the Divine Presence will come to every attender, to be a source of direction and of strength after leaving the meeting.