A Bit Of History of Union United Church Cemetery

Where is it?

The Union United Church Cemetery is situated on newly named STONE CHURCH ROAD, (formerly Colborn Road), one half mile (3/4 km) south of the Village of Union. It is owned by the Union United Church, and presents an impressive sight with its tall, stately maple and spruce, and well-maintained appearance. It is located on Lot 4, Concession 3, Yarmouth Township, Elgin County, Ontario, (now known as Municipality of Central Elgin).

History

On June 17th in the year 1850, the Trustees of the Union Wesleyan Methodist Church purchased One and a half acres of land for 15 pounds from John and Pearly Willis. This land could be used for a church site, parsonage or burial ground for the use of members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Here the early forefathers were laid to rest.

In September, 1876, another one half acre was bought and in April 1898 an additional one and half acres was purchased. It was not until 1935 another three acres were acquired. The Trustees later realizing that more land would be needed, purchased 12.59 acres in 1966, making a total of a little more than nineteen acres in the cemetery.

The Board has endeavoured to operate efficiently and economically: they are constantly making improvements to beautify the cemetery.

Improvements have been made from time to time. An iron fence was built across the front. Stone pillars were erected at the entrance and exit in 1964. The driveway was rebuilt in 1968.

The first Methodist Church building was located on the east side of the road part way up the hill south of the village. It was a frame building and sat close to the road. A few burials took place on this church property before the new land was acquired, but we understand they were moved to the new site along with the small church building. The first Burial in the new cemetery was that of Harrison Willis, infant brother of the late Archelaus Willis.

As time went on the church building became inadequate so a new brick church was built across the road a bit to the north. Then the old church building was removed from the cemetery grounds. In 1981 all file cards and maps were microfilmed to insure no loss of records, they were redone in 1986. In 1982 two granite plates were made for the north entrance of the cemetery which read as follows: on the left it reads; "Union Wesleyan Methodist Church Burial Ground, June 17, 1850 to 1925." The right plate reads "Union United Church Cemetery 1925 - ----“

It has been found that many families moved a distance from Union, but many of the descendants have returned to the family plots for burial. The Board welcomes these families who wish to remain a part of this community where their forefathers were interred.

Contrary to early thoughts of the Burial Ground being for local church people, the Trustees for many years have welcomed friends from all faiths and communities to select this as their final resting place. Respect and care are given each and everyone.

The transcribing of all known memorial markers was done in 1984-85. Since that time many families have selected this cemetery and now several new sections are now in use since that time. We thank Jean I. Griffin for preparing a list of all known burials from Christ Church Anglican Church in Port Stanley, this has been a great help over the years.

On March 11, 1998 vandalism struck the cemetery shop and all equipment and the building were destroyed by fire. The Board immediately made preparations to rebuild and replace all machinery. The local machinery companies which we had been associated with previously immediately furnished the Cemetery with the needed equipment to carry on at once without any lapse on burial operation. Our sincere thanks to these companies.

In the year 2001 the first of a circular Columbarium Unit of a group of five was installed after many had asked about this service. It is located at the western part of the grounds with easy access from the roadway. The Centre Unit was purchased first, with the area prepared for the additional four units to come as the need arises. An Indian Red granite was selected for this grouping.

Lloyd G. Smith UE and Norma C. Smith UE

For more information...

If anyone has any questions regarding the cemetery or wishes service please contact Jim Banghart .

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