The Trustees of Merrickville Union Cemetery invite everyone in the community to join them for the Annual Service of Celebration and Remembrance. This service was put into disarray by the COVID Pandemic and was an important part of the Cemetery community, especially for those with family and friends buried there.

The service has been re-established and will be held outdoors on the Cemetery grounds, Sunday September 22 at 2:00 pm.

Please bring your lawn chair, water bottle and hat as we are hoping for a sunny day!

This is an ecumenical service in celebration of those family members who have gone before and provides an opportunity for peaceful reflection. The service lasts approximately one hour.

For those new to the area or travelling from afar to be with relatives, the Cemetery is located on County Road 23, just east of the village of Merrickville. Please, park in the designated areas or along the roadway since a number of graves are not marked.

In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Merrickville. Should this be the unfortunate case, a sign and directions will be placed at the Cemetery entrance.

Come join us for prayer, reflection and music and have a wander through the beautiful grounds.

As a reminder, (as was mentioned in last month’s Phoenix), the Cemetery Board will be hosting a meeting to update everyone on the proposed changes to the operation of the Board.

Trustees hope to get approval for these changes from the Bereavement Authority of Ontario and put them in place by early 2025.

This meeting will be held on Wednesday September 11, 7 pm at the Merrickville Legion. Most significant are the changes that have been proposed to the manner that trustees are appointed.

We will also discuss Cemetery maintenance and plans for moving forward with Cemetery operations.

Please join us and share your ideas for this important community facility.

If you are unable to attend but have questions / comments or would like to be kept up to date on the activities of the Cemetery please send an email to: merrickvilleunioncemetery@gmail.com

Submitted by Sally MacInnis