Meeting at the Historic Cemetery: Purchase Cemetery Plots Before Prices Rise!

On Sunday, May 28, between 10 and noon, the members of the Cemetery Committee will be at the Historic Cemetery in Masonic Memorial Park. TBH members who are interested in purchasing or considering a purchase of a plot are invited to join us at the cemetery.

Until August 1, the cost of a plot will remain $1800 for TBH members of three or more years.  Thereafter the cost of plot will increase, as noted below. In order to receive the lower price, you must COMPLETE the purchase of your plot before August 1. If your intent is to purchase a plot or plots on the 28^th, please bring a checkbook.  You can pay by check subsequently, also.  If you wish to pay by credit card on the TBH site, you must choose to pay the convenience fee to cover credit card fees. 

Only 90 lots remain in the Historic Cemetery.  Because of this limited space, the Cemetery Committee is purchasing 60 lots in Masonic Memorial Park, not contiguous to the Historic Cemetery, and will be installing a columbarium at this new site.  The Cemetery Committee will also be putting an option on 40 lots contiguous to the 60.

One implication of these decisions is the cost of lots will increase to reflect the cost of the newly purchased lots. As of August 1, 2023, the price of a lot for TBH members of at least three years will increase from $1800 to $2500.  The cost of a lot for Jewish non-members (or members of fewer than three years) who reside in Thurston, Mason, Lewis or Grey’s Harbor counties will increase from $3600 to $5000.  The cost of a lot for Jews who are residents elsewhere will increase from $5400 to $10,000.  The Rabbi has final say regarding whether a non-member is eligible to purchase a lot in one of our cemeteries.

The cost of a niche in the columbarium for a TBH member will be $2500.  As cremation does not involve the requirements for burial, including casket, concrete liner, among various other expenses, cremation and inurnment will remain significantly less costly than burial.  For non-members who the Rabbi approves for inurnment in the columbarium, the cost of a niche will be $4000.  We anticipate the columbarium will be installed before the end of this calendar year.

The Historic Cemetery is located within Masonic Memorial Park at 455 North Street, Tumwater (see map). Enter the Masonic Memorial Park ether from North Street or Yelm Highway and wander around until you see an area surrounded by cable chain and a gated entry with Stars of David. You can park in the parking lot and walk, or there is parking in the road along the cemetery. Alternatively, call or email the Temple and ask for directions.

The members of the Cemetery Committee are Rabbi Seth Goldstein, Russell Lidman and Oscar Soule.