The Nancy Holland Sibley Memorial Garden is designed as a place of rest, meditation, and prayer, and to serve as an appropriate site for interment of human ash remains for any of God’s people. The Garden reminds all who visit that those who went before us are beloved and not forgotten. This addition to the Montreat community inspires reverence for this life and hope for the life to come.

View the Memorial Garden
Policies and Procedure

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is fully supportive of cremation as an appropriate means of dealing with earthly remains. We believe that the body which is raised in the resurrection is a spiritual body; therefore, the choice for either burial or cremation is appropriate in the Presbyterian faith. While either means may be chosen with confidence, the practice of cremation is becoming more widespread in that it is theologically sound, as well as good stewardship.


If you are interested in a Memorial Garden Application, contact Director of Donor Engagement Martha Todd Sloan at

Email | 828.419.9883


  • Stone entrance to the Nancy Holland Sibley Memorial Garden.
  • Stone entryway to the Nancy Holland Sibley Memorial Garden
  • Memorial Garden niches.
  • Example of the flowerbeds in the Memorial Garden.
  • Stone bench next to the Flat Creek, the creek that borders the Memorial Garden.
  • Flowers framing the Memorial Garden niche wall.

Frequently Asked Questions