Memorial Services in Memorial Church
The Dean, Senior Associate Dean or Associate Dean for Religious Life are available to preside at memorial services for faculty, staff, students or alumni with recent and significant ties to Stanford University. Please note that employment at either Stanford Hospital or Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital does not apply. Memorial services are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in the afternoon. A dean or other Stanford chaplain officiates at all memorial services. S/he will assist in planning the service according to the wishes of the family, friends, colleagues and the following guidelines of Memorial Church:
a. A customary service includes a prelude, an invocation, scripture readings, words of remembrance (eulogy), special music and/or hymn(s), a benediction and a postlude. Any printed bulletins or service programs will be the responsibility of the party requesting the service. Sample programs are available in the office.
b. All questions regarding music for the service should be addressed to the University Organist, Robert Huw Morgan at (650) 725-0530. Memorial Church is considered a “live” space acoustically and for this reason the use of amplified or electronic music is discouraged. Exceptions may be made with the approval of the University Organist. Classical-style music, or music from an established religious tradition, is most appropriate in Memorial Church. Musical selections often require considerable time for preparation. Unfortunately, special requests are not always able to be accommodated.
c. Use of departmental space (when appropriate) or other reception sites on campus such as the Stanford Faculty Club is encouraged [l1] because there are no suitable spaces in Memorial Church for receptions following memorial services.
d. Arrangements may be made for flower delivery by contacting the Office for Religious Life at (650) 723-1762.
e. Fees* for Memorial Services are as follows. Fees are due at the first meeting with the clergy.
Church Use $600 (payable to Stanford University)
Organist $300 (payable to Stanford University)
Clergy $300 (suggested/payable to the individual)
Other fees may apply if special arrangements need to be made for reserved parking and/or shuttles.
*Fees are waived for Stanford students
f. The Office for Religious Life at Stanford University is available for further assistance at (650) 723-1762.
