PENNS CREEK — A cemetery at the south end of the village has served as a sacred reminder of those living in the area for the past couple of hundred years.
But its beauty and history are threatened by a lack of funding.
“The problem is, nobody’s given anything to the care of it,” said Dorothy Richard, treasurer of the Penns Creek Cemetery Association.
The cemetery, a little larger than an acre, is mowed about twice a month, she said. Each time the grounds are mowed costs the cemetery association $35.
In the past, contributors, particularly those who have loved ones buried in the cemetery, would donate money to the association for its upkeep through a perpetual care fund.
“They’re not doing that anymore,” Richard said. “It’s really been a struggle for us to keep going.”
A church dinner and bake sale were held recently to raise money to buy gasoline for the mower. The events raised about $300.
The association has $1,000 in its savings account, which serves as a backup if there is not enough money in its checking account, Richard said. And the checking account has been dwindling.
The cemetery, affiliated with St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Walnut Street, Penns Creek, contains tombstones from the late 18th and 19th centuries. More land is available for new plots, as well. The cost of a single plot is $225. The last plot sold was in 2002.
Richard said she, as well as the president and secretary of the association, often volunteer their time to weed, remove spray paint from some of the grave markers, or anything else that might be needed to keep it looking nice.
Richard is hopeful that people in the community, as well as any living family members of those buried in the cemetery, will recognize the need and be willing to contribute in some way.
“Any little bit would help,” she said.
Donations may be sent to Dorothy Richard, treasurer, Penns Creek Cemetery Association, 3411 Richard Road, Middleburg, PA 17842.
-- E-mail comments to tpursell@dailyitem.com
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