One of the things that Spring Grove is famous for is its lawn plan. The lawn plan was started by Strauch and considered unconventional at the time. Later, the lawn plan was accepted as a model for many other cemeteries. Strauch believed in developing the landscape to harmonize with nature. He re-routed roads to follow the natural shapes of Spring Grove's hills and valleys. He built lakes, islands, footbridges, protected woodland areas, and brought hundreds of trees and plants from other parts of the world. He asked lot owners to remove the fences and hedgerows they had built around grave sites. Spring Grove has been called by experts the major example of the American rural cemetery.
Who Owns Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum?
The Cemetery as a whole is owned and managed by Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, a nonprofit corporation which was formed by a special Act of the Ohio General Assembly in 1845, and which we will refer to as the "Corporation." The Corporation owns the entire cemetery, subject, of course, to the interests of the persons holding rights in burial lots, spaces, crypts and niches.
The internal structure of the Corporation is regulated by a law of the State of Ohio which applies to all Ohio nonprofit corporations. The Corporation's sole purpose is to operate a nonprofit cemetery and crematory. Responsibility for setting the policies of the Corporation lies with its Board of Trustees, a group of outstanding citizens who serve without pay. The Trustees have adopted Bylaws to govern the internal workings of the Corporation, and Rules and Regulations to establish guidelines for burials and other items of importance to purchasers of burial rights in the Cemetery.
Who Chooses the Board of Trustees?
Each Trustee is elected for a term of three years. When vacancies occur, a Nominating Committee of the Board Trustees proposes replacements, and the vacancies are filled by vote of the remaining Board members. In this way, the Board of Trustees is self-perpetuating.
How are the Officers of the Cemetery Chosen?
The Board of Trustees elects the Chairman of the Board, the President and other officers of the Corporation annually.
So Spring Grove is "Nonprofit." Does that Mean that Spring Grove Sells at Cost?
No. Spring Grove strives to earn a reasonable net income from its operations and investments, so that money will always be available to maintain the grounds and facilities, even after the last burial space is sold. The Corporation's nonprofit status under Ohio law and the Federal income tax law means that any income in excess of expenses cannot be paid to any private individual, as a for-profit corporation pays dividends to a stockholder; rather, Spring Grove's earnings are used or invested by the Corporation, free of income tax, for the development and preservation of Spring Grove for future generations. The status also means that gifts to Spring Grove are charitable contributions under Federal income tax law, deductible to the extent allowed by that law.
What is Spring Grove's Religious Affiliation?
The Spring Grove Family of Companies is not sponsored by any religious faith and is non-sectarian. We welcome all faiths and religions and can assist you in arranging a funeral ceremony and final resting place that honors your affiliation. Our commitment is to provide you with quality services that are right for you, regardless of affiliation or non-affiliation.
We celebrate the ethnic diversity of our community by offering a wide variety of options to meet the special religious and cultural traditions of families. Whether your family wishes to observe longstanding traditions, create new rituals, or blend both together, our staff can help.