We're proud to announce the opening of the 2019 version of the free summer music series, Music To Die For, hosted by the Eugene Masonic Cemetery Association. This will be the ninth year of these free programs which began as a way of thanking our many friends and neighbors for the support provided in helping restore the cemetery and Hope Abbey.  

Our season opener!

"The 2019 edition of the Clefs of Insanity is eleven women & men performing a cappella works from across the choral music universe. Songs of sorrow, songs of joy, ancient texts & chant, eternal light, starlight, moonlight and appealingly small fingers."

These are the exact words to describe this talented group of singers as provided by Director John Henzie. Perhaps a clue to the wide variety of music you'll hear on Sunday, June 30 when they open the season!

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July 28: String Quartet from the Eugene-Springfield Youth Orchestras

 August 25: Plum Lucky with Dianne Dugaw

September 29: David Gross & Friends

October 27: Uncalled Four Bassoon Quartet

More detailed information on the musical offerings will be forthcoming.

Memories of Memorial Day 2019

 

The cemetery was especially beautiful this year with wild flowers in abundance, and our old roses were a si ght to see!

The grounds were in full dress on Memorial Day weekend with American flags flying on all Veteran's graves, and Taps played to honor and remember them.

Hope Abbey looked its best, featuring our annual gigantic floral display, a period Edwardian dress, a display of before and after photos showing progress made over the years, a fun History Hunt game for families, and more.

Past visitors were impressed by the improvements made to the cemetery and Hope Abbey over the past few years, and new visitors were amazed! To a person: "I can't believe that this is in Eugene and I didn't know about it!"

Our musical event featuring the British Brass Band Society was cancelled due a rainstorm during the night. It was a disappointment for the band and for the people who planned to enjoy the concert. That said, the weather cleared up and scores of visitors attended our Open House with refreshments enjoyed by all!

 

Many, if not most, of those whose final resting place is the Eugene Masonic Cemetery or Hope Abbey, made the conscious choice to be interred by burial, entombing, or scattering at the Cemetery or Mausoleum. The reasons why the "residents" of the Eugene Masonic Cemetery or Hope Abbey chose their location are likely as diverse as they themselves are, and their reasons may include the beauty, the history, the legacy and the proximity to loved ones.

Along with choosing the location of their final resting place, those who have passed on likely also chose the method of disposition, be it interment, entombment, scattering, or other means. Although many find it a difficult topic to discuss, preplanning regarding the disposition of your remains has many benefits which include creating peace of mind for loved ones and saving money.

Oregon, like many states, has enacted laws making it easier for individuals to control the disposition of their remains. "Any individual of sound mind who is 18 years of age or older, by completion of a written signed instrument ... may direct any lawful manner of disposition of the individual's remains." (ORS 97.130) Such an authorization regarding one's own remains is often referred to as a Disposition Directive, and remains binding after the passing of the individual. Disposition directives need not be formal, and can be completed on the backside of a napkin (although traditional paper is probably preferable.)

Without a disposition directive, the disposition of an individual's remains is directed by another person. In Oregon, the authorized person is determined by law and goes in order of priority. This Priority of Decision law relies on a status-based scheme in authorizing an individual to direct the disposition of remains. The spouse of the decedent has priority, followed by a child 18 years of age or older, followed by either parent of the decedent, etc.

Disputes regarding the disposition of remains are uncommon, but nevertheless exist. Oregon's Priority of Decision law serves to resolve disputes by providing an individual with disposition authority. However, the law is not without its flaws. The law's status-based scheme assumes that those of a certain status are in the best position to make important decisions regarding the disposition of an individual's remains. This is not always the case. Another potential issue with the Priority of Decision law is that there may be a number of individuals with disposition authority, but who disagree regarding the manner of disposition.

Most people have a preference regarding the disposition of their remains. These preferences may be based on religious customs or beliefs, cost, or other personal reasons. Disposition directives may not be necessary for all, particularly if we trust those who may have disposition authority over our remains. However, disposition directives can serve as simple yet useful tools to ensure our remains are disposed of in the manner we prefer and to prevent issues or disputes after our passing.

 

Shawn Walker 

EMCA Board Member  

Mission Statement 

 

To restore, rehabilitate, maintain, interpret and operate the historic Eugene Masonic Cemetery and Hope Abbey Mausoleum as a cultural and natural resource for the community.

The cemetery is operated for the public benefit,  

but it is private property.

(A 501(c)(3) Non Profit Organization)