Resting Place

Today I met with a group of preservation professionals at our historic cemetery. Preservation Maryland is sponsoring a conference in May and one of the highlights is a hands-on workshop at Old Saint Paul's Cemetery. Here is a link to the program information for those who might want to attend. www.preservationmaryland.org/html/conference.html For those of you who haven't visited this wonderful oasis in the heart of downtown Baltimore, you are missing a special treat. Each time I visit, it is a delightful, spiritual, and aesthetic experience. Here lie our parishioners of 200 years ago. I remain hopeful that this place will play a larger role in the life of our parish and I would welcome your ideas. Originally called the Western Burying Grounds, this cemetery was created on the western outskirts of Baltimore Town in 1800. The prior cemetery was located next to the church, near today's Old Saint Paul's. Among those buried here are John Eager Howard, Revolutionary War hero, Governor, and U.S. Senator; Samuel Chase, signer of the Declaration of Independence and George Armistead who was the commander of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 British bombardment that inspired Francis Scott Key. Key was buried here until being moved to Greenmount Cemetery in the late 19th century. Lewis Armistead, brother of George, was a colonel in Lee's Army of the South who fought in several famous battles before being mortally wounded during "Pickett's Charge" at Gettysburg. Lewis is buried next to his brother George . There are many fascinating stories connected with those who lie in this sacred place amongst the hustle and bustle of city life. If you would like to learn more about any of this or to visit, just drop me an email (juniorwarden@osp1692.org) and I will see if we can get something together. Several times a year there are wreath-layings and ceremonies by historical enactors. I will try to post the details as they are announced. I anticipate volunteer opportunities for improving the conditions at the cemetery in terms of maintenance, gardening and repairs/restoration. There is much to be done and funds are in short supply.