Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Opens New Columbarium

From the Town of Arlington: Mt. Pleasant Cemetery is pleased to announce the opening of its new columbarium wall for pre-need sales. Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, located at 70 Medford St. in Arlington, has not been able to offer any burial options for pre-need planning or sales since the 1970’s and this new project is intended to meet growing resident needs.

The columbarium is a semi-circular wall with 204 niches. Each niche can hold up to 2 human cremation urns, also known as cremains. The faceplates on the front of the niches are part of an interlocking system that creates a smooth exterior with no visible hardware or unsightly gaps between plates. There is a circular walkway in front of the wall, with a slightly curving path from the street to where the walkway begins. One side faces out toward the path, road, and other established grass filled fields. The back faces toward Alewife Brook, trees, and across to the older section of the cemetery with the Chapel visible in the distance. It is a very peaceful and quiet area with the sound of the brook in the background when the water level is higher after it has rained. There will be a grass area in the middle of the walkway, with other plantings surrounding the area in spring. We encourage all who are interested to come and visit.

The cost of a niche in the top three rows is $1,800 and in the bottom three rows it is $1,400. There is a $100 opening fee at the time of need. All confirmed residents of Arlington will be allowed to buy two niches in any row depending upon availability. All established residency confirmation requirements and procedures will apply. The Chapel office, found at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, has pamphlets regarding the policies involved in buying a niche and it will be posted on the town’s website. The Chapel office can also be reached at 781-316- 3276.

Mt. Pleasant Cemetery and the Arlington Cemetery Commission hope you will take advantage of the new benefits this project has to offer and of the availability of pre-need purchasing and planning. The Town and the Commission is committed to finding alternative burial options for our residents as our current inventory decreases. It is hoped that as phase 1 of this area is sold, we will be able to proceed with phase 2, adding up to three walls in total, and give the residents even more options to choose from for their needs. All pre-need sales pertain to the columbarium wall only. Niches can be bought directly through the Chapel office or as part of your pre-need arrangement plans with your family Funeral Director. Please do not hesitate to call Mt. Pleasant at 781-316- 3276.

Photo courtesy of the Town of Arlington