Posted 14 years ago
Chapeldrea…
(10 items)
When my husband and I bought our house we also took ownership of the 200 year church and cemetery that was on the property. It was abandoned by the congregation sometime between 1920 and 1930 and most of the bodies were relocated to different cemeteries. What you see are the graves of those that were left behind. Most of these are small children and babies but the reverend and his family are still located here as well as a few other adults. Sadly the cemetery was vandalized in the 1990's so many of the stones are propped up against trees because we have been unsuccessful at finding a plot map. A majority of the people in the cemetery were born in the 1700's and died in the 1800's.
That is awesome.
I worked for a builder in NC. In the "woods" on a new development they discovered a slave graveyard. One quick way of identifying it is that it is completely overgrown with periwinkle. There, between the leaves and the flowers are the field stones that mark the graves. Happily, the developer did not disturb it but left a natural area. Sadly, the only marker with a date was stolen.
There is soooo much history all around us. You are really, really lucky.
That is absolutely the neatest thing ever! You are so lucky to have such a historical property in your possession. It's the dream of so many lovers of history and you're fortunate enough to be living it. Thanks for sharing, that is just beautiful.
Thanks Savoychina and Tikiray. There was no doubt in my mind that I wanted this home when we toured it. For me this is the ultimate collectible. My husband and I plan on paving a pathway and placing a bench out in the center of the trees for a place of quiet reflection. I have already been planting hostas and other shade loving plants out there amongst the head stones.
Very cool, it's harder to find stuff like that up here in the upper midwest
Chapeldreamer do you use the church for anything, were the stain glass windows still in it and is that where you came up with Chapeldreamer. I love old building, if people would keep a good roof on the old buildings they would stand for along long time.
Thank you for your interest Officialfuel. We have been using the church as a barn, but I would love to turn it into a house or a store for my antique business. It was the inspiration for my user name chapeldreamer and no there were no windows just the old shutters. When the congregation left the property was sold to a dairy farmer and he tore out the floor and old coal stoves so what we are left with is basically a shell. He used it as a barn for his cows. She needs a lot of work but she has tons of potential. I hope to be able to start some restoration on it this summer.
Good luck on your restoration, that could be a new antique store. That's what gets me threw life dreams.
Good luck with the restoration and preservation.
Scott
As an avid amateur genealogist, I suggest that you contact a local Historical society, or a cemetery registry organization, & provide them with photos of the headstones & location of the remaining stones. This could provide clues for families doing research.
Good Luck with the restoration. & thanks for sharing.