Mausoleum
Since before the early Sumerian and Egyptian civilizations, mankind has embraced the concept of building a tomb to hold and honor the deceased. The word “mausoleum” itself dates back to 353 BC, meaning “the tomb of Mausolus,” king of Caria, at Halicarnassus (Turkey), known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Throughout the ages, from the Egyptian pyramids to the Taj Mahal, to America’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, many people have preferred the dignity, prestige and respect of above-ground entombment. Mausoleums provide the most complete and secure protection. Until recently, they have been available only to royalty, the rich and the famous. Now, people who can afford a traditional earth burial can afford entombment in a mausoleum.
the Lexington Mausoleum
The Lexington Mausoleum is a magnificent edifice of granite and marble featuring both the beauty of the outdoors and comforts of the indoors for year-round visitation. The mausoleum contains single and double crypts for entombment of caskets and a columbarium where urns containing cremated remains are inurned.
Private Mausoleums
Throughout The Lexington Cemetery, visitors also will find many private family mausoleums. These facilities are objects of beauty, artistry and architecture, reflecting the craftsmanship of their era. And like The Lexington Mausoleum, they are shrines to honor the individuals entombed within the structure.
There are many beautiful sections in The Lexington Cemetery conducive to memorializing a family in a private mausoleum. Families interested in purchasing a lot to place a private family mausoleum may contact a Cemetery representative.
the Bell Mausoleum
The first public above-ground entombment at The Lexington Cemetery, the Bell Mausoleum was dedicated October 23, 1974. Containing 204 crypts, the Bell Mausoleum was named in honor of the first superintendent of the Cemetery, Charles S. Bell. Appropriately, the bell that originally hung in the tower of the office building was moved to this new structure. In earlier days, the bell tolled when funeral processions entered the gate.
When the Bell Mausoleum became full, The Lexington Cemetery expanded its mausoleum facilities by developing the new Lexington Mausoleum.