By Brian CR Staple – Co-Edited by Sandra Beazley
Have you ever observed during your road trips that some cemeteries are meticulously maintained, while others are not? Then there are those gravesites that have fallen to disrepair, especially if they’re not associated with local Parishes/Churches or are one of those smaller gravesites located in isolated areas.
Over the past decade(s) several church organizations have ceased to exist. When these parishes were active, church funds were allocated to maintain their cemeteries. In some churches, the cemetery lots were sold as Perpetual Care (one-time payment only rather than a yearly fee), and that amount was invested. For those cemeteries, there are investment funds available for the on-going upkeep of these cemeteries.
For the gravesites where an annual amount was collected, often the families have moved away, or lost contact, and no monies were invested, leaving it to the church to be responsible. Churches may have closed, been sold, and the buildings removed, but the cemeteries remain intact. Realistically, whose responsibility will it be years down the road when those reserve funds don’t meet the maintenance costs?
Several years ago, there was considerable discussion among Parishes through local media, where such questions and concerns were being directed towards the HRM Council and/or our MLAs. These officials all understood the problem.
That said, one such option was turning these cemeteries over to the province or appropriate district (county) to maintain them. To achieve this goal, all grave plot locations must be identified, including the names of those buried there, and the cemetery's property lines must be re-surveyed. There you have it – it all takes money. This is where you come in, the person(s) looking for that ‘something’ positive to do…
I personally have been a caregiver of a local cemetery for over 25 years. Now in my early 70’s, I look forward to loading up the ride-on mower, gassing up the whipper snipper, and making my way to that graveyard. As I complete the maintenance task, a sense of calmness envelops me. Maybe that heartfelt feeling within is resonating from those resting souls thanking you for your patronage – meaning you’ve done something ‘nice’ for those who can’t speak for themselves. Another plus I found is when a headstone(s) needs some maintenance, there’re almost always someone else willing to help.
So, the next time you’re touring about, ask yourself these two questions:
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Why not contact the local Churchwardens in your community? I'm sure they could use the volunteering, and having your friends help from time to time is also therapeutic.
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Again, why not become more active (in your community)? Not only will you be getting the exercise to help strengthen your body, the mindset of being responsible for these types of tasks supports positive mental health – it’s a win-win situation.
In conclusion, it’s unfortunate that local churches/parishes have been closing down. We need to be more vigilant. We have a moral duty to respect and remember the pioneers who built our settlements and villages back in the day by caring for their graves. Volunteering is gratifying, so if you’re looking for that ‘something positive to do’ – why not!
