St. Paul’s Anglian Cemetery, Zion Line, Cavan Monaghan Township held its Decoration Day Service Sunday June 19th. Decoration Day is an annual event in which family members of those buried in St Paul’s cemetery are invited to come together to honour, pay respects, and tend to or decorate the graves of their loved ones.
A short service was conducted by Rev. Robert Ross pastor at St. Thomas Anglican Church, Millbrook with musical accompaniment provided by Ms. Ruth Roberts. The service was attended by 42 family members, from as far away as Toronto, Brechin, Pt. Hope and Cobourg, who availed themselves of the opportunity to visit their families’ graves and view the restorations that have been made to the Cemetery’s Chapel.
Following the service trustee Sherry-Lynne McMahon introduced the other 2022-23 trustees Ruth Roberts, Sandra Hall and Phil Unger. Outgoing trustees Jill Stocker and Bev Hilditch were thanked for their years of service to the Cemetery.
Two recent donations to the cemetery’s restoration and beautification were recognized. The children of Herb and Freeda Fallis; Ann, Roy and Ross donated maple trees that have been planted on the north end of the cemetery. Joan Northey made a generous donation to rebuild the windows and repair the vestibule of the Chapel in memory of her parents and brother. Two plaques recognizing these gifts are mounted on boards that will be on display in the chapel.
Donations received at the Service and throughout the year help to fund the restoration necessary to bring the chapel up to its’ former condition and maintain the cemetery grounds. Financial support from families and the Township of Cavan Monaghan is very much appreciated by the Cemetery’s Trustees.
By Phil Unger
