- What is a columbarium?
A columbarium is an above-ground structure composed of individual compartments, known as niches, specifically designed to hold urns containing cremated remains. Columbaria are commonly located in cemeteries, churches, or memorial gardens, serving as a dignified and permanent place of remembrance for loved ones.
- Why did West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) build a columbarium?
The vision for a columbarium at West Virginia Wesleyan College originated with Rev. Angela Gay Kinkead during her tenure as Dean of the Chapel. In 2024, West Virginia Wesleyan alumnus and retired United Methodist pastor, Rev. Dewayne Lowther, helped make this vision a reality when he provided a significant gift in memory of his wife, Mary Virginia “Ginnie” Lowther—a 1968 graduate of WVWC and a deacon in the United Methodist Church. His generosity funded the purchase and installation of two columbarium units, totaling 112 niches, in the West Meditation Chapel. This gift ensures that WVWC may serve as the final resting place not only for Dewayne and Ginnie Lowther but also for others who have long cherished WVWC as their ‘Home Among the Hills.’
- Who is eligible?
All niches may only be acquired by, or used for the cremated remains of, current or former students, alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, and donors of WVWC, together with their respective family members and, in addition, such friends of WVWC as are approved in the sole and absolute discretion of the Dean of the Chapel and the Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations of WVWC.
- What is the cost of interment at The Columbarium at West Virginia Wesleyan College?
The price of each niche is dependent upon whether the niche will be used to inter the cremains of one or two individuals. If used to inter the cremains of one individual, a niche is defined as a “single.” If used to inter the cremains of two individuals, a niche is defined as a “companion.” A niche used as a single is priced at $5,000. A niche used as a companion is priced at $6,500.
In both cases, an interment fee shall be made payable to WVWC at the time of execution of the Agreement, 50% of which is to be regarded as a tax-deductible contribution to WVWC, as more particularly set forth in the Agreement.
The donation/purchase price does not include the cost of urn purchase, cremation, transportation, and other off-premises costs, which remain the responsibility of the Donor/Purchaser.
WVWC reserves the right to change the fees.
- Can monthly payments be made?
Yes, WVWC offers a 0% interest monthly payment plan for up to 24 months. However, the Donor/Purchaser shall pay the donation/purchase price unto WVWC in full before any use of the niche(s) for the interment of human cremains or otherwise.
- Who to contact if interested or if there are additional questions?
The Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations – 304-473-8600
The Office of Religious & Spiritual Life – 304-473-8372
