Cemetery Services
The Anglican Cemetery - our name doesn't say it all.
A Cemetery is a history of people, a perpetual record of yesterday and a sanctuary of peace and quiet today. It exists because every life is worth loving and remembering, always.
Assistance for People of All Faiths and Denominations
Although we operate under the care of the Rector and Wardens of Church of The Epiphany as a not for profit service, we wish to be of assistance to people of all faiths and denominations.
Founded as a cemetery, our facilities include a Mausoleum, and since September 2001, Woodstock's first Columbarium.
A dignified, practical and responsible memorial for those who choose cremation.
Woodstock's First Columbarium
A Columbarium is a structure for the aboveground interment of cremation ashes.
Columbarium is a Latin word for a structure for keeping doves. The Romans, including early Christians, carved niches out of rock walls to be used for burials. Because they resembled dovecotes, they became known as columbaria.
In recent years there has been a gradual return to the ancient practice of cremation. One source reports that one in three Ontarians now chooses cremation; either for land use and environmental concerns, or for economic reasons.
Cremation ashes may be buried conventionally, or kept in the possession of the next-of-kin. Alternatively, ashes may be scattered, provided the permission of the landowner has been obtained.
A columbarium provides a fourth option, with several advantages. Unlike conventional burial, interment is possible year round, and land use is minimal. The columbarium at our cemetery is just six feet in diameter, and has 48 niches, each of which will hold one or two urns. The concrete and granite structure, located near the caretaker's residence, may provide more security and peace of mind than private possession.
Finally, the columbarium provides a continuing focal point for the visits of loved ones. The columbarium is located on an oval plot of land that is attractively treed, and accessible year round. As demand requires, a dignified arrangement of several columbaria of complementary shapes, will be created.
The Mausoleum, pictured below, provides the option of indoor, above ground interment.
Plots in the Old Cemetery are nearly all filled, but this rolling section with aged stones secluded beneath mature maples is the last resting place of many of Woodstock's earliest citizens.
The New Cemetery presents a more open and park-like atmosphere. Less than half of the seven acres here are occupied. In this area only flat markers are permitted.
Old Cemetery - New Cemetery
Our History
The first Anglican parish in Woodstock was founded in 1834. It was named for St. Paul and as usual the cemetery was located around the church. Indeed some of the graves and stones are still there.
On October 9, 1873, the Parish of Woodstock purchased a plot of land from the estate of the Hon. George Alexander. In 1901, it was described as a very picturesque piece of property, lying on the east side of Vansittart Avenue opposite the Baptist Cemetery. Today it remains a very attractive area, rather rolling, with many trees and myrtle edging the slope down to the Thames River valley on the North.
The cemetery surrounding Old St. Paul's was declared closed and only opened once more in 1879 to allow the burial of Canon William Bettridge, first rector of the parish.
In January, 1880, a new church was opened, further to the West and on the South side of Dundas Street. The old church was closed but was to be maintained intact as it contained many memorials. Some of the members doubted this and remains were moved from the cemetery at this time.
Eventually more disagreements grew in the congregation and the old church was opened and services have been held there ever since. Since both these churches are dedicated to The Epiphany Church, we now have the unique situation of Old St. Paul's and New St. Paul's (which is now The Church of The Epiphany).
The original cemetery on Vansittart Ave, contained six acres; in 1940 an adjoining area of seven acres was added - so again we have an old and new situation - Old Cemetery and New Cemetery. There was also a mausoleum built in 1926. While this is the Anglican Cemetery for all of Woodstock, it is under the jurisdiction of The Epiphany Church.
There are two more Anglican parishes in Woodstock. All Saints' (which is now The Church of The Epiphany) was organized as a parish in 1915 and The Church of the Good Shepherd was formed in 1951.
Our Cemetery Co-ordinator, Mr. Charles Jensen
Our Cemetery Co-ordinator, Mr. Charles Jensen, is available to provide assistance in locating plots and graves, and is fully conversant with all of the cemetery services, fees, procedures, and by-laws.
Mr. Jensen lives at the cemetery, which is convenient for our patrons, and provides an added degree of security for the cemetery.
Decoration Day has become an annual event that brings many people together to remember departed loved ones.
Held the first Sunday in June, a short service of hymns and prayers is followed by dedication of carnations that are provided for people to place on graves. Chairs and refreshments are also provided.
For further information contact:
Mr. Charles Jensen at 539-6337
The Anglican Cemetery
A multi-denominational cemetery under the care of the Rector and Wardens of
The Epiphany Church, Woodstock, Ontario
