Cremation Services
Cremation is a method of disposition of a human body following death. Through intense heat the body is quickly reduced to bone and ash. Most times the bone is pulverized. In contrast, earth burial is a gradual process of reduction to basic elements.
To some, a quick, clean incineration of the body is preferable to the slower process of reduction in a grave. Or they may prefer the immediate way in which the body is broken down to its basic components and then mixed with the elements of the earth, symbolizing a oneness with nature and the universe.
For these families, cremation can lend support to the process of mourning. An important aspect is realizing, both emotionally and intellectually, that any further relationship with the deceased has ended. Cremation may effectively symbolize this finality for some people.
WHAT'S INVOLVED IN CREMATION?
Most of the customs and rituals that normally make up the funeral are not significantly altered if cremation is requested. There can still be a visitation and viewing of the deceased. A worship or church service or a ceremony with the body present can be held. There can also be some form of committal service for the cremated remains.
The body may still be accompanied by the family in procession to the crematory, where usually, in a chapel setting, the final committal services are held. The casket or container is placed into a specially designed furnace called a retort. Operating at an extremely high temperature it reduces the body to a few pounds of bone fragments and ashes. The actual process of cremation usually takes less than two hours.
Each body is cremated separately. All smoke and gases are recirculated through the furnace so there is very little discharge into the open air.
Most of the cremated remains are then placed in an urn or canister and carefully identified. We are able to assist you with the selection of the urn and with any other question you may have concerning a service with cremation.
