For many who visit the mountain, YMCA Blue Ridge becomes a very special place; a place that feels like a part of their lives even if they only visit once a year. Many friends of Blue Ridge have been coming here since their youth and have even brought children and grandchildren here to have a mountaintop experience. We are honored to help create a feeling of home that endures in people’s hearts and minds.
The Columbarium is a symbol of the connection that families and friends make during their time at YMCA Blue Ridge. The purpose of the Columbarium is to provide the friends of YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly a final resting place with special meaning. The Columbarium is accessible year-round. Our vision is to present and maintain a picturesque environment in which family and friends may gather for meditation and reflection.
The word columbarium is derived from the Latin term colomba, meaning “dovecote or dwelling place of a dove.” The Columbarium area features stone walls with small vaults or niches to contain the cremated remains of loved ones. A niche (vault) is a recessed compartment designed to hold urns. A total of 128 double niches are available in Phase I and space is still available. A planned expansion will follow. The Columbarium location provides an ideal outdoor setting designed for services and visitation.
Choosing a niche at YMCA Blue Ridge provides a final resting place that has meaning to you and gives a place for your loved ones to visit and find comfort
Making arrangements now assures a niche is available for you and eases a future burden on your loved ones
Taking advantage of the tax-deductible contribution to the endowment ensures a beautiful environment that will always be well-maintained
A niche can accommodate up to two urns which are engraved with name(s), date(s) of birth, and death. Niche fees include the two urns, niche granite faceplate which is engraved with names, date(s) of birth and date(s) of death, opening, and closing for inurnment(s), and perpetual care. The cost of one niche is $5,000. A minimum down payment of $1,500 is due with the agreement and reservation form. The remaining balance of $3,500 is to be paid within the following two year period and is a tax-deductible gift. This gift will help provide perpetual care for the columbarium.
Niches may also be purchased as a memorial even if remains are placed elsewhere. Some have chosen to have their remains divided and placed at Blue Ridge and in another location with special meaning to them. We are available to discuss any questions or concerns you might have.
Your $3,500 tax-deductible gift is a contribution to YMCA Blue Ridge’s Columbarium Endowment Fund. The earnings from the Fund will be used to care for the garden, grounds and sidewalks surrounding the Columbarium and to provide staff support including a chaplain for interment services.
If you desire further information, have questions or wish to purchase a niche, please contact Melissa Bailey Logan, via email mblogan@yblueridge.org or telephone 828-210-8459.
If you desire further information, have questions or wish to purchase a niche, please contact Melissa Bailey Logan, via email mblogan@yblueridge.org or telephone 828-210-8459.
