Funerals/Memorials

The Ministry of the United Church of Canada through our congregation of Highlands United Church is honoured to be available to you at this time.

This page provides some practical information which we hope will assist you and answer concerns you may have.

The Funeral Worship Service

The worship service may be held in the Sanctuary (capacity 400) or in the Chapel (capacity 35). A hostess is present at the service to look after practical concerns relating to the service (i.e. flowers, the sound system, special displays or furnishings); either Margaret Moore at 604-980-6071 or Margaret Butterworth at 604-985-7967.	One of our ministers will develop the service with you. Our organists Geordie Roberts and Julian Pattison are available to consult with you about appropriate music, at 604-980-6071.

Funeral Receptions

Rooms are generally available at the church for funeral receptions, ranging in capacity from 50 to 250 people.	Refreshments of tea, coffee, fruit loaves, cookies and cakes can usually be provided and served by members of the church.
Please talk with the Church Secretary about the receptions and your needs.

The Memorial Garden

The Memorial Garden is located to the west of the church building and is a place for the interment of ashes. It is available to people who are active members or adherents of Highlands United Church and to their immediate family.

If there is a desire to make a special gift to the church at the time of interment, it would be applied to the upkeep of the garden through the Highlands Memorial Fund. The garden was developed and is maintained by gifts, and may be visited at any time.

The Memorial Fund

The Memorial Fund is a fund to which family and friends may make a memorial gift. The funds are used for special projects in relation to the church building and/or the ministry of the church.

A memorial book to mark the life of a Church Member is kept in the Chapel where the names of people making memorial gifts are recorded and provided to the family.

Highlands United Church Foundation

The Foundation was established in 1995 to ensure the future ministry of Highlands through income revenues from a permanent financial fund. A donation or bequest may be made to the Foundation as an ongoing memorial. An explanatory brochure is available from the Church Office.

A Guide To Donations

There are no set fees for items related to funeral services at our church since our primary concern is to be of support to you. We have, however, found that people do desire guidelines for donations to the church.

We suggest the following:

For Chapel only:	$110.00*
For Sanctuary:
(Includes Sanctuary, hostess and organist/pianist)	$350.00*
Minister:	$150.00*
Soloist:	$75.00*
Please note: If the organist is required to rehearse with a soloist there is an additional amount of $25.00.
Reception:   A guideline for donation would be $3.00 per person or $4.00 (which includes sandwiches).   If you only wish to use a room please contact our Church Secretary for rates.
Memorial Garden:	$135.00*
Donations marked with an asterisk are optional from people who are active members or adherents of Highlands United Church. It is very helpful to us if the cheques are brought to the Church Office.
If you require more information, please do not hesitate to contact us by using the information below.