A website for friends and members of the Smyrna United Church of Christ 

Friends of SMYRNA     Spring
CEMETERY  Newsletter       2004

 

Welcome to the eighth edition of an annual newsletter to the friends of Smyrna Church Cemetery.  The committee uses this means to keep in contact with all those who have an interest in the preservation, upkeep, and improvement of one of the historic cemeteries in Clackamas County.

This year the committee members are:  Joel Daniels, chairman, Burt Gottwald, treasurer and Linda Dunn.  Please feel free to contact members of the committee for more information by emailing cemetery@smyrna-ucc.org, or calling the church office at 503-651-2131

Trust Fund.  The Cemetery Committee is very pleased at the growth of the Trust Fund.  The balance as of March 31, 2004 is $33,345.  The committee’s goal of raising $50,000 in the span of five years is progressing well.  Our Trust Fund drive started in mid 1999, and although we had hoped to be there by now, we’re willing to take awhile longer.  The purpose of this trust fund is to provide for the permanent maintenance of the cemetery.  To help reach our goal, please consider remembering the cemetery in your will or trust or by requesting memorials to the Cemetery Trust Fund in lieu of flowers.

Treasurer's Report

Cemetery Fund

Trust Fund

 In the 113 years the cemetery has been in existence, there have been burials every year except 1892, 1900, 1903, 1907, 1911, 1959, 1970 and 1974.  Over the years there have been an average of between 3 and 4 each year.

There are 656 plots and of these, 333 have been used and 81 reserved.  242 plots are available.

"I fancy only thinly the veil intervening between the fair city and me."   
Inscription found on the stone for Barbara Fry Yoder 1842-1906.  Attribution?

Cemetery Use Policy. 

Contact Burt Gottwald at cemetery@smyrna-ucc.org for available locations.  A vault is not required but is highly recommended.  A permanent marker is required within six months of burial, however, an extension will be granted if estate settlement delays purchase of the marker.  The only restrictions on markers are no plastic or resin, and flat 12 x 24 in. granite must be used in the cremation garden. 

Charges:

Grave Markers  may be ordered through the Cemetery Committee which is happy to be able to provide them at cost.  Ordering through the funeral director is substantially more.  All colors and styles are available.  Joel Daniels has samples of granite and a book of print styles and designs. 

A source used to identify some of the unmarked graves in the Smyrna Cemetery was a survey of Clackamas County Cemeteries prepared by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1936.  With this and many other sources, we believe we now have all unmarked graves identified and markers installed by the Cemetery Committee.

Donations for the Maintenance and Trust Funds of the Smyrna Cemetery

May 1, 2003-April 30, 2004

Memorial Donations to the Smyrna Cemetery Trust Fund

May 1, 2003-April 30, 2004

Smyrna Cemetery was established in 1891, the same year as the church on land donated by Benjamin and Sophie Roop.

There are 29 burials with the surname Yoder, followed by 13 Veelles, 12 Watsons and 10 Gottwalds.

Our cemetery has been registered with the Oregon Pioneer Cemetery Commission as one of our state’s old-time cemeteries.

Our tax-exempt ID is #93-0798541.  Send your donations to:

Burt Gottwald, Treasurer

1853 Lexinton Circle SE

Salem, OR 97306