A modern crematorium is part of long-term plans for the site of a new third Christian Cemetery (C3) and, when constructed and fully running, cremation will provide an alternative to burial of a loved one for grieving family members, friends and colleagues.
Details of the proposed facility were outlined during a ceremony held at the Old Cemetery in Manama yesterday, marking the start of the second phase of the new cemetery project.
It will see a boundary wall and gate constructed around the 2,800-square-metre plot of land in Salmabad, donated by the government, as earlier reported in the GDN.
The plans for a modern, low-emission crematorium are set to be included in the final phase of the project, expected to commence in 2027.
“We are planning for a modern crematorium which will serve a much wider faith community, offering a low cost alternative to repatriation of remains,” said Father Richard Fermer, dean of St Christopher’s Cathedral. “Additionally, it will lengthen the operating life of C3 by providing a cremation option instead of burial.
“The crematorium also offers a positive cash flow to fund ongoing maintenance of the first and second Christian cemeteries, which, once full, generate only costs and no income.”
According to Our Lady of Arabia Roman Catholic Cathedral parish priest Father Saji Thomas, the crematorium will be open to believers who are comfortable with the option of cremation, without compelling them to choose it.
However, the more immediate concern for the Christian Community Cemeteries Committee is generating the funds to complete the first three phases, after which the new cemetery can be operational.
“With more than 30 Christian burials per year, the construction of C3 is urgent,” Fr Richard added.
“The cemeteries have always been open for the burial of any Christian of any denomination.”
The first phase of the project cost BD25,600, with the second anticipated to cost a further BD29,900 and be completed by the end of this year.
The third phase will cost an additional BD59,800 and is anticipated to be completed by the end of next year, as long as funding goals are met on time. During the third phase, a guardroom, storage area, toilets, pathways, lighting and CCTV will be installed, making the 700-plot cemetery fully operational.
The fourth phase, in which a chapel of rest will be constructed for BD60,400, is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026.
The fifth and final phase will see the design and construction of an adjoining crematorium room as well as the installation of cremation equipment at an anticipated cost of BD59,900. It is expected to be completed in 2027, providing the money can be raised.
“Phase 1 is complete and Phase 2 is funded and about to start – today marks this exciting event,” Fr Richard added. “Fundraising for Phase 3 also starts today and we need a total of BD59,800, in funds or in kind, to complete it, which will provide a fully operational C3.”
Yesterday’s ceremony began with a poignant reading of Robert Frost’s poem In A Disused Graveyard by Fr Richard, followed by a welcome address by British Ambassador Alastair Long, who also chairs the Christian Community Cemeteries Committee, a presentation by John Luckie-Downe of the Cemetery Working Group and closing prayers by Father Francis Joseph of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
The GDN has previously reported that the currently used second cemetery, also located in Salmabad, is approaching capacity and last year its central pathway was cut in half in order to create 22 new plots, and work is underway to add another 15.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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