2025 Remembrance Tree Ceremony: Dec. 7, 2025

Quick Facts:

When: Sunday, December 7, 2 PM

Where: First Baptist Church, 425 Eastern Bypass, Richmond, KY 40475

Why: Whether your loss was recent or not, the holidays are a time when those we’ve lost are especially missed.

Who: All are welcome to participate, regardless of whether we cared for your loved one.

What does the ceremony involve?
The Remembrance Tree Ceremony includes the reading of memorial names, placing of ornaments on the Remembrance Tree as names are read, special music, selected readings, and a light reception following the service.

How Do I Participate?

Request your ornament(s) by Thursday, December 4 to have your loved one’s name read in alphabetical order during the ceremony. If you request your ornament after December 4, your loved one’s name will still be read aloud, but it will come at the end of the reading of names.

Guests are welcome to take their memorial ornament home after the ceremony on December 7. If you’re unable to attend, you may pick up your ornament at the Compassionate Care Center (350 Isaacs Lane, Richmond), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., through the end of the holiday season.

For decades, the Remembrance Tree Ceremony has offered the community a meaningful way to remember loved ones during the holiday season.

The 2025 ceremony will take place on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 425 Eastern Bypass in Richmond (behind Wendy’s).

Anyone who misses a loved one during the holidays is welcome to participate, regardless of whether your loved one received hospice care.

“At this time of year, when loved ones gather in gratitude and loving kinship, the loss of those dear to us can be even more pronounced,” said Denise McKinney, grief support coordinator. “Coming together in remembrance with others who understand is a balm and a way to honor those who still reside in our hearts.”

When you make a donation of any size, a personalized ornament is created for your loved one and made available to place on the Remembrance Tree during the ceremony. If you cannot attend, a Hospice Care Plus staff member will place the ornament on your behalf.

Light refreshments will be provided by Hospice Care Plus staff and volunteers following the ceremony.

We’d like to thank our community partners who have helped make this year’s ceremony possible: Community Trust Bank, First Baptist Church, and an anonymous donor.

For more information or to request an ornament, use the secure online order form or follow the Remembrance Tree Ceremony Facebook event page for updates.

Hospice Care Plus & Compassionate Care Center was founded as a non-profit organization to support the quality of life of its communities through hospice, palliative, and grief support programs. The organization serves Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley, and Rockcastle counties and owns and operates the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond. Relying on community contributions, all care is provided regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. To learn more, make a gift, or explore career and volunteer opportunities, visit hospicecareplus.org or call 859-986-1500.