1974

1974.10.27.10, Approved as modified

Minute 10, 10-27-74. Bruce Hawkins presented recommendations of the Burial Committee. After discussion and some recommendations for change, they were approved as modified (see attached revised recommendations).

COPY OF BURIAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS AS REVISED (Copied 12-6-81 by R. Myers)��

1. That the name of the committee be changed from Burial Ground Committee to Burial Committee to reflect the larger responsibilities we see facing us.

2. That use of the burial ground is for members and their immediate families (spouse and children). Authority to grant exceptions, especially to those who have rendered faithful service, is given to Ministry and Worship.

3. That no plots be reserved in advance except a single plot for the spouse of a person already buried.

4. That there be no charges for plots, only for expenses incurred..

5. That concrete vaults not be required (unless we find upon investigation that they are legally required).

6. The committee is divided upon the question of standing headstones versus flush markers. That being the case, we felt it better to submit the question to the Meeting for discussion at a special program, since deeper feelings are involved rather than simply a mechanical issue. We therefore recommend a discussion meeting be held either as a part of Fist Day. School or otherwise, at which this and other issues in the above recommendations that may be controversial shall be discussed in the context of Members feelings about death and dying. *

Recommendations were dated 8/24/74 before revision at the 10-27-74 Meeting for Business. Following is an addendum to the recommendations added by the committee on 9/8/74. "So far as we know, there is not in fact strong feeling in the Meeting favoring standing headstones. If this is in fact the case, we suggest that the Meeting consider using only flat markers.

7. We are concerned that there be visible evidence of the presence of the burying ground, as a reminder to us of our links to the past, and of the normality of death as a part of life.

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(Also attached to the 10-27-74 Minutes:

" Suggested Areas of Responsibility for the Committees of Mt. Toby M. M.

Burial �Assist in funeral arrangements of members when called upon; exercise supervision of burial ground under care of the Meeting; investigate and make known to members provisions for simple and inexpensive funerals and burials.�