To contact us about funerals or our churchyard: Alexandra – vicar@stpaulswb.com
Whilst a grieving a loved one is immensely sad, our God promises that ‘I am the resurrection and the life,’ says the Lord. ‘Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”
John 11:25,26
It would be our honour to remember and celebrate your loved one with you. It is the right of every person from the Parish, or with a connection to St Paul’s to have a funeral in our beautiful church.
Frequently asked questions about funerals & our churchyard:
Do you have to be a Christian to have a Church funeral?
Not at all. Often when someone dies, we ask big questions about life, and seek answers in the comfort of God. Their funeral needs to honour them, but neither you or they need to have followed the Christian faith to have their funeral in Church or with a vicar.
Can I have my loved one’s funeral in Church?
It would be our honour to remember and celebrate your loved one with you. It is the right of every person from the Parish, or with a connection to St Paul’s to have a funeral in our beautiful church.
Can a Vicar do my loved one’s funeral at the crematorium?
Of course!
Can my loved one be buried in the Churchyard?
Whilst our churchyard is closed, we are able to inter ashes in our Garden of Remembrance. For example, the person buried must have a connection with the Parish – other family members buried there, or have lived in the Parish during their life.
Churchyard Regulations
Because St Paul’s is listed, we have to follow guidelines that reflect the beauty of the building, and protect the environment. For example, we are not able to have artificial flowers in our graveyard, or any ornaments that are supplementary to the approved monument/stone.
For more information, please see the Diocesan Handbook here: https://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/uploads/dac/Churchyard_Handbook_February_2022_Edition.pdf