Church Memorials

In almost every church, small or grand, one can find memorials of those who have made contributions to that congregation. Some are in the form of plaques on the walls and pavers in stone floors. Some are in the form of grand statues and monuments. Some entire churches were erected for the purpose of honoring an individual or group of people who had a significant impact on their community. Memorial churches like this abound.

When a valued member of a church community has died, often families or close friends want to pay tribute or commemorate the life and contribution of a deceased loved one within the church community. Often churches, new and old, will allow a family to purchase a needed item for the church, and in return, the church places a memorial plaque or inscription on or near the item.

Donated items can be small, large and diverse, depending on the ability of the donor and the needs or desires of the church. The memorial donation can be toward the construction of a permanent structure like a building or part of a building; toward the purchase of fixtures or furniture, like pews or a piano; or toward bibles and hymnals. The donation is especially appropriate if it relates to a particular interest of the deceased.

Endowment as a Memorial

A memorial can also be made in the form of an endowment in the name of the deceased. Endowments usually mean a long-term commitment of donated funds. An endowment can be dedicated to a specific purpose or for unrestricted use. In this way, similar to a physical remembrance, the endowment, named after the deceased, becomes a part of the church for decades to come.