Marsh Chapel serves the Boston University community particularly in times of loss. The Dean, Chaplains, and staff of Marsh Chapel & Religious Life are available for guidance and support for those who have suffered a death of a loved one.
To discuss holding a memorial service or funeral for your loved one at Marsh Chapel, please contact the Director, Ms. Heidi Freimanis-Cordts at 617-358-3390 or hrf@bu.edu. We are a University Chapel, so we are accustomed to many and varied forms of remembrance, depending on the families and needs involved.
BU Affiliation
Marsh Chapel is available for memorial or funeral services for BU staff, alumni, faculty, and students. The Chapel does not normally host memorials or funerals for non-BU affiliated persons.
Fees
All fees should be paid one week prior to the service. Some fees may be waved at the discretion of the Dean, especially in the case of memorial services for current students.
Space Use
$500 for current staff and faculty or departments planning a service.
$1000 for alumni or family planning a service.
Organist
The fee for the Organist is $350.00. Soloists may be hired through Marsh Chapel for an additional fee, generally in the range of $250.00 per singer or instrumentalist.
Clergy Honorarium
A clergy honorarium of $500.00 may be paid to the officiant.
Planning
In the weeks prior to the memorial service, the Chapel Director will meet with the organizers of the service to discuss details and logistics. The general structure of each memorial service includes time for prayer, music, and reflections. Most services last about 30 to 45 minutes.
Parking
Parking for the service is included in the Space Use Fee. A unique parking QR Code will be provided to the organizers of the service with directions for use and parking lot addresses.
Eulogy and Remembrances
Some services may only include a eulogy by the officiant. Other services may include a eulogy and remembrances by family members or loved ones. We recommend that no more then 2-3 remembrances of 5 minutes each, written out in advance, be included in the memorial service or funeral.
Music
Music for memorial services and funerals can be coordinated through the Chapel Director, Ms. Heidi Freimanis-Cordts, and the Associate Director of Music, Justin Thomas Blackwell.
Live music is generally used for memorial services and funerals. A request for permission to use any recorded music must be approved by the Dean of Marsh Chapel.
Program
With advanced planning, Marsh Chapel can provide a printed program for a memorial service. Printed programs from past services are available through the director for reference. The Chapel can only provide black and white printing services, and a simple standard template.
Information for the program may include:
-Photograph for the cover of the program
-Obituary text with full name and dates as the organizers would like it to appear on the cover page with the picture
-Full title and author of any readings. (i.e. “In Blackwater Woods”, by Mary Oliver)
-Full title and composer of any musical pieces and name(s) or performer(s). (i.e. “Ave Maria”, by Franz Schubert, Sung by Jessica Sha, Niece of Leonard J. Conte)
-Full names of those offering remembrances, as well as their relation to the deceased. (i.e. Remembrance, John Conte, Brother of Leonard J. Conte)
-Reception details, if appropriate
Flowers & Guest Register
Flowers may be brought to the chapel for a memorial service or funeral. Organizers are welcome to take the flowers with them after the service.
Organizers or family members are encouraged to provide a guest book for use prior to the service.
Reception
Marsh Chapel does not host receptions.
There are University spaces nearby for gathering and refreshment following the service, such as the Castle and Barrister’s Hall at the Law School. Please visit the BU Events and Conferences website for more information about these spaces.
