Abstract: A crematory having a plurality of sides is constructed around a base section. A cremation surface is located at a position within the base section that allows the loading of a body from a loading level, no higher than about a person's waist level above a floor from which loading of the crematory takes place, at least one of the sides of the crematory. A crematory door is mounted to move to closed and open positions. When in the closed position, the crematory door covers at least substantially one side of the crematory above the cremation surface and extends substantially over the cremation surface from about the loading level. When in the open position, the crematory door allows a body to be cremated to be loaded onto the cremation surface from the loading level at least one of the sides of the crematory.