The Janice and Mahan Siler Garden

A memorial garden for the placement of ashes of our deceased members was conceived in 1997. The church voted to design and build such a garden, financing it with the money paid for reservations. Completed and dedicated in 2001, the garden was named to honor Mahan Siler, who was pastor from 1983 until 1998, and his wife Janice. Much respected and loved by Pullen people, the Silers now live in Asheville, NC.

What is the purpose of the Siler Garden?
The Garden provides an appropriate and pleasant site for the placement of cremated remains. It also offers a serene place for reflection and prayer.

Whom do I contact about using the Garden?
Call the church office at 828-0897 or contact the pastor.

Are there written rules for using the Garden?
The Siler Garden Committee follows the Garden’s “Policies and Procedures” as adopted and amended at church business meetings. Copies of this document, which include registration forms for using the columbarium or the scattering of ashes, are available in the church office and in the information room.

What evidence of a reservation is provided?
When a reservation contract for placement of ashes in the Garden is completed and the fee paid, a copy of the contract is signed by the subscriber or representative and by a member of the Siler Garden Committee. The original contract is kept in the Siler Garden Book in the church office, and a copy is kept by the subscriber for inclusion with other records useful to an estate executor.

Who may use the Garden?
Use of the Garden for ceremonies, celebrations, the scattering of ashes and use of the columbarium is available to members of Pullen Memorial Baptist Church and their immediate families. The immediate family includes a member’s spouse or companion, parents, children, and grandchildren. The Siler Garden Committee may grant exceptions as appropriate.

What fees are required for placement of ashes in Siler Garden?
The reservation fee for scattering ashes in the Garden is $650 per person. The reservation fee for placement of ashes in the columbarium is $1000 per person. The required fee covers the purchase and installation of a nameplate bearing the name of the deceased, date of birth and date of death. Fees may be paid over a period of one year, with a minimum payment of $50 per month.

Are reservation fees tax deductible?
Reservation fees and gifts to the garden are tax deductible according to the IRS.

How is the Garden maintained?
During construction of the Garden, 5% of each reservation fee was placed in escrow for perpetual care. Currently, 100% of each reservation fee goes into the fund for Garden upkeep and improvement.

Who plans memorial services when ashes are placed in the Garden?
To initiate placement of ashes in the Garden, the family of the deceased consults with Pullen’s pastor to plan an appropriate service. The service may be private, if desired. The reservation fee should be paid prior to the placement service.

Can a reservation be cancelled or changed?
Upon cancellation of a reservation, 50% of the reservation fee will be refunded. If a reservation fee has been paid for scattering, and use of the columbarium is chosen later, the scattering fee is applied to the columbarium cost.

May I bury an urn containing ashes in the Garden?
Because of limited space, in-ground burial of ashes in urns or other containers is not allowed. Space limitations also prohibit memorials other than those on the plaques provided on the memorial wall.

Can urns be placed in the columbarium?
Each horizontal niche in the columbarium contains a covered aluminum canister in which the ashes of one person can be placed. If desired, the ashes may be placed in an urn (maximum dimensions, including cover: 5.25 inches in diameter by 9.25 inches long) prior to placement in the canister. A cover should be attached to the urn to prevent spillage of the ashes.

May cut flowers be placed in the garden?
In association with scattering or columbarium memorial services, fresh flowers and small mementos may be placed in the garden. After two days they will be removed by the Siler Garden Committee or its designee.

May a pet’s ashes be scattered in the Garden?
Burials in the Garden are limited to the ashes of deceased persons.

Can deceased Pullen members buried elsewhere be honored in the Garden?
A memorial plaque is provided for nameplates giving dates of birth and death of Pullen members and friends who have been interred at other places. Such memorials will be included for payment of a $500 fee.

May plants be contributed for use in the Garden?
All plants and structures in the Garden are in accord with a design authorized by the church. Modifications must be approved by the Siler Garden Committee and may include donations.