The Memorial Garden

The stone wall in the Memorial Garden of the Congregational Church of Brookfield is built into the wooded and natural area to the west of the Church building. Placed at the entrance of the planned Outdoor Chapel, the wall defines an area whose natural surroundings invite the visitor to contemplate life with thanksgiving and point to the hand of the Eternal in the world around us.

The stone wall in the Memorial Garden is constructed to contain columnar niches for permanent placement of cremated remains. The wall is built of natural stone and topped with stone slabs. A uniform bronze marker gives the name and dates of birth and death of the person being remembered.

The Memorial Garden wall is a fitting resting place for the earthly remains of loved ones.

“Christ has been raised from death, as the guarantee that those who sleep in death will also be raised.”
1 Corinthians 15:20

The Memorial Garden is on the grounds of The Congregational Church of Brookfield and is managed by the Memorial Garden Committee of the church. To reserve a place or places in the Memorial Garden wall you may call the church secretary for an application (203-775-1259). For additional information, ask for a member of the Memorial Garden Committee to contact you.

CREMATION PRACTICE

An increasing number of people prefer cremation and are asking that their remains be cared for in this way. It is seen as a convenient process by which expense may be minimized and land space preserved for other uses. Cremated remains (ashes) may be interred (earth burial), or may be given to one's heirs for placement in a memorial niche or scattered, where legal.

The ashes are delivered to the family in a container (box or urn) and may be stored indefinitely or hand carried or mailed for distant disposition. The CCB Memorial Garden provides an appropriate alternative for the disposition of cremated remains.

THE MEMORIAL MARKER

A uniform cast bronze marker, placed on the top surface of the flat stone slab to mark each niche containing cremated remains, is provided.

Contact the church office by phone at 203-775-1259, or by email here.

Memorial Garden Application

 To purchase a wall niche, please call the church office at 203-775-1259, or ask to have a member of the Memorial Garden Committee call you to make the necessary arrangements.

The Book of Remembrance

 Many of us have at some time, desired to memorialize a loved one.  Moreover, most of us would like to strengthen our church, add to and improve its facilities, thereby prolonging within it the influences that have been released by devoted Christians of other days.  Our church has a very appropriate plan by which an interested person can do both of these things. 

The cherished memory of a loved one can be honored and the present and future good of the church can be enhanced through The Book of Remembrance. 

The Book of Remembrance is a memorial book displayed in the Meetinghouse, recording the names of those in whose memory gifts are made to the church together with the names of those making the gifts.  (The amount does not appear). 

This book provides a fitting method and place in which a gift, of any amount, is lovingly offered, gratefully received and used for the continuing good of the church.  The gifts are acknowledged to both the donor and the family of the person remembered. All purchases which the church makes with these funds will be in loving remembrance of all persons whose names are inscribed in the Book of Remembrance.  No monies are expended in memory of a particular individual or group of persons.

Twice a year a memorial service is held during the Sunday morning worship at which time these gifts are recognized and dedicated, and persons memorialized are remembered in prayer.  The Book of Remembrance appeals to a great many people as a most beautiful and appropriate way to pay tribute to those whom we have loved.

Memorials for the church are secured from these funds and are deeply appreciated.  For more information, call the church office at 775-1259.   If you wish to donate funds in memory of friends and loved ones, please notify:

Book of Remembrance Treasurer
The Congregational Church of Brookfield
160 Whisconier Road
Brookfield, CT  06804

Gifts from the Book of Remembrance:

• 1957  5 Deacon Chairs - 100 Communion Racks and Silencers

• 1958  4 Collection Plates

• 1962  6 Windsor Chairs for rear of the church - 2 Pulpit Bible Markers

• 1963  Tables and Chairs for Fellowship Hall

• Cast Bronze Tablet for new addition

• 1964  Contribution toward new kitchen - Pew Card Holders

• 1965  4 Communion Trays and Glasses, Piano

• 1968  Musical Instruments for Choir

• 1969  1 Deacon Chair, Handbells and Case for Choir

• 1971  Iron Railing for Chapel to Church parking lot

• Handbells and Case

• 1975  Christian Flag for Church - 2 Pulpit Robes for Lay Readers

• 1976  Books for the Church Library - Bicentennial Maple Tree

• 1977  Draperies for Fellowship Hall

• 1981  300 Hymnals, Chancel Lights - Wall Sconces under the balcony

• 1982  REACH Telephone Ministry

• 10 Hamilton music stands, 6 Tables for Bell Choir

• 1983  Contribution toward refurbishing the sanctuary

• 1985  Portable Brooks Hall Seating

• 1986  Christmas Window Candles for the Meetinghouse

• 1987  Handicap Ramp

• 1989  Portable Balcony Seating and Adult Choir Robes

• 1991  2 Window Shades for the Sanctuary -    Portable Piano for the Balcony

• 1992  Additional Portable Balcony Seating - Sanctuary Sound System

• 1994  Handbell Refurbishment

• 1994  Rebuilding of Organ Swell Engine

• 1995  Worship Space Renovation

• 1996  REACH Video Ministry

• 1998  Pulpit Furnishings

• 1999  Video and Audio Equipment

• 2003  Reach Booth Renovation - Build Choir Platform

• 2004  Digital Piano

• 2007  250th Anniversary Plaque of Pastors and Associates from 1957-present, Mirror in Brooks Hall

• 2010 Orff Instruments

• 2016 Media Booth Audio/Video upgrades, new Meetinghouse carpet & extra Choir Robes