We are pleased to announce that we are working with the Trinity Historical Society this year, to begin the restoration of the gravestones at the historic, 18th-century St. Paul’s Anglican Church in the heart of Trinity. If you’ve ever been to the community, you’ll remember the striking wood church, surrounded by primarily grey limestone gravestones, many of which are leaning or have fallen. It’s a beautiful site, and one that is so significant to the province’s history.
Last fall, after several years of discussions with the project leads, we did a site visit to take stock of what needs to be done at the site, what to focus on first, and how to proceed. Trinity Historical Society, with Kevin Toope and Ian Morris co-leading the project, have launched an ‘Adopt a Headstone’ fundraising program in order to procure the funds to proceed with this project. From the Society’s website:
“As we all look forward to what the New Year will bring, we are writing to ask that you also look back and think of those who came before us. We are seeking your support for an ambitious project of the Trinity Historical Society (THS) to restore the headstones in the churchyard at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Trinity, NL, and are making a special appeal to those of you who have ancestors buried in the churchyard. These headstones are our connection to some of the earliest settlers in Newfoundland and a reminder of our history. Restoring these headstones is a way of remembering and paying homage to those who endured so much to make this rugged and often inhospitable place our home.
To learn more about our “Adopt a Headstone” Project. We kindly ask that you take a moment to read about this important initiative, and that you consider making a contribution to help with the associated costs.”
We can’t wait to work on this site, its been one of our favourites ever since we first saw it! The quantity of 18th-century gravestones that are still around, and not only around but in good shape with legible inscriptions, at this site is truly amazing. It’s a huge honour that the THS and people of Trinity trust us to work on preserving the stones for future generations, and we are really looking forward to spending more time in the area too!
If you are interested in learning more about the project and goals put forward by the THS, you can check out the project background and description HERE (it’s a pdf).
To donate to the project by clicking this link that will take you directly to their paypal donation page:
THS PayPal Donations.
Thank you so much for your support!
Black Cat Cemetery Preservation 