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The only one of its kind in this region-- the Chisago Memorial Park columbarium-- has been installed ahead of schedule. The delivery hadn't been expected until June; but a boom truck hauling the 9,500 pound unit pulled up onto the central open area of the cemetery in Chisago City, and off-loaded the fixture in the middle of last week.

Resembling a granite-sided hot tub the columbarium contains 96 small tombs or 48 niches with room for two regulation-sized urns. The facing is mahogany granite mined at Milbank, South Dakota, according to Chester Garness the treasurer for Zion Cemeteries, overseen by of Zion Lutheran Church. Zion oversees Chisago Memorial Park; West Green Lake Cemetery and South Green Lake Cemetery.

Garness said church officials started seriously looking into incorporating the above-ground interment fixture last February. The manufacturing order with a Crookston, Minnesota company was estimated for 16 weeks out, but Zion got lucky and delivery was accomplished prior to Memorial Day.

Chisago Memorial Park has space remaining for many, many years of below ground burials. Garness explained that people now inquire regularly about committing cremated remains instead of requesting a full size grave plot. The columbarium, in use at many sites in the state, seemed the best alternative for Zion. Garness and other church officials visited columbarium installations and selected the style that now sits in Chisago Memorial Park.

If an individual has already reserved a gravesite at Chisago Memorial Park and would prefer the columbarium, the church will be happy to facilitate the change for any price differential. The columbarium is also open to the public as well as members of Zion Lutheran.

Garness said he's been told some people who scatter loved ones ashes in a special location sometimes acquire a niche so they have someplace to memorialize the departed. The niche at Chisago Memorial Park could also hold an object, photo or could be left empty with just the engraved plaque on the exterior.

Coordinating granite benches are set up around the niche for those visiting.

For more information about the columbarium please contact Zion offices at 651-257-2713.

The church has planned long range for additions to the columbarium with dedicated ground around the fixture for adding niche spaces.

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