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Archiver > GENBRIT > 1998-08 > 0902004699


From: "hibberd" <>
Subject: Re: Our Disgrace
Date: Sat, 1 Aug 1998 22:51:39 +0200


It is sad to think that this is occuring, more so because those resident
have paid the churches large sums of money in donations when they were
alive. In addition paid to be buried there. This money has enabled church
officialdom to live in the famous bishops palaces and enables the church to
have the vast sums of money invested today that it has. Its odd how the
artifacts of rituel often donated by the same deceased are pamered,
cherished and still to be seen as part of the churches heritage.The donator
is not afforded the same honour.

Elizabeth wrote in message <>...
>
>Fellow Citizens, Genealogists and Historians,
>
> I have been shocked and much angered upon learning
>
>lately, that in several parts of England, and indeed the world, the
>systematic destruction of our ancient graveyards and cemeteries,
>is being carried out with no regard for their historical value, let
>alone any respect for those who lie there or their families still with
>
>us. Whether it be from wanton idiots doing it for the lack of
>anything better to do with their time, or some local council deciding
>that a gravestone might serve a more useful purpose elsewhere,
>it cannot, and must not, be tolerated, in any country, now or ever.
>
> Since bringing this to the publics attention I
>have
>received many thoughtful letters regarding this subject, and
>while I fully understand that lack of space is now of special
>consideration in many communities the world over, destruction
>of ancient graveyards and cemeteries to make room for new
>graves, a parking lot, or even to be carted unceremoniously
>5 miles away to be used to build a slipway for yachstmen and
>their boats - as was done in one disgusting case in Cornwall,
>is like tearing down a castle to build a housing tract. If there
>must be world wide new thinking on what happens to our
>remains after we die, certainly a delicate subject, then so be
>it, but these memorials to our own ancestors lie now God
>knows where, but certainly where future generations
>researching their families, or Historians, will never find them.
>Remember the Passenger Pigeon? When it's gone - it's gone.
>We are only caretakers here - and caretakers we had better
>be my friends! Ancient Graveyards hold a wealth of secrets
>to our history. Will we be the last generation able to seek out
>the graves of our ancestors? As a Genealogist, I feel it is
>incumbent upon us to bring this to the public attention
>whenever we are able.
>
> Does your Church or Group have a position
>on this? Has it even been discussed? What an excellent
>program for local teens. Many Churches have not the funds
>for cleanup and repair work in their ancient graveyards. If
>given over to local authorities for maintenance and cleanup,
>you also give them the right to dispose of it when it becomes
>a burdon on their tax budget. Is that what you want? Why not
>adopt an old Cemetary as part of a Church, club or school
>project. I guarantee when a teen has been part of protecting
>a piece of history he is less likely to vandalize it with his
>friends on a night out.
>
> There are plenty of young people around with
>nothing to do. I suggest they be put to work in an endeavour
>which might not only keep them busy, but instill in them a feeling
>for History and a new respect and responsibility with being part
>of it, for they will have that responsibility when we are gone.
>
> I cannot even bear to think of an incredible
>churchyard such as St.Sannans Church in Bedwellty, Gwent
>for instance, where generations of my family lie, being torn
>down piece by piece for paving stones. I think it might just be
>up to us Dear Ones, to pave the way (and NOT with our
>headstones on a boat slip) for future Genealogists and indeed
>anyone interested in History, to be able to visit the site of
>ancestors graves in the original places of rest. Strangely enough
>I also recently received notice from another part of Wales, that
>my eight times Great Grandfather, Theophilus Evans, (1694-1767)
>founder of Llangammarch Wells and author, and his Grandson
>Theophilus Jones, author of The History of Brecon, who are
>buried together, have now a grave marker so uncared for that
>the inscription can only be felt with finger tips. My God. This is
>part of Welsh History and should not be allowed to disappear.
>Must modern moral decay allow our history to also crumble
>into neglect and indifference?
>
> I look to you to support me in this endeavour,
>giving no money but only a little of your time to educate others
>and try to see that it never happens in your community. If you
>think it cannot happen, believe me it can and is. I heard only
>the other day that on the East Coast in the US there has
>already occurred, destruction of some of the first graveyards
>known in the country. I fear if we do not make it our business,
>then we risk leaving none of it for our children. It will then
>become our disgrace - yours and mine.
>
>
> I offer you these words written by my esteemed
>ancestor Theophilus Jones, in the preface of Vol.1 of his works..
>
> "If anything I have suggested shall be productive or of benefit
>to
>one deserving person, then my ends are obtained. The utmost extent of
>my
>ambition is that I may live a few years in the recollection and
>approbation
>of my countrymen, after providence shall consign me to the long
>silence of the grave."
>
>Theophilus Jones. 1805.
>
>
>Liz
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

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