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The Anglican Cemetery - our name
doesn't say it all. |
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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. |
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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. |
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A dignified, practical and
responsible memorial for those who choose cremation. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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The Mausoleum, pictured below, provides the option of
indoor, aboveground interment. |
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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. |
Mausoleum |
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Old Cemetery |
New Cemetery |
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| 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. |
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Our Cemetery Co-ordinator, Mr. Charles Jensen |
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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. |
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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 |
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