MARSHFIELD COMMUNITY CEMETERY

On March 2, 1830 land was deeded by Donald McBeath to Donald Stewart, John Cairns and others, John Ferguson and others, and Neil Stewart for the establishment of a church property. The first recorded burial was that of Mary Miller, daughter of James and Margaret Miller, 1829 - 1831. The next recorded burial was that of Donald Stewart in 1833, age 57.

A complete listing of burials that are recorded on monuments is available from the PEI Genealogical Society - St. Columba Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Marshfield Lot 34-4, transcribed 1989-90, transcript Ann Coles, 1978.

The cemetery and its upkeep was the responsibility of St. Columba Church until church union in 1925. After which, the PEI Church Property Commission was formed to mediate property claims within communities. They agreed that present plot holders, whether from minority or majority congregations, should continue to have use, access, purchasing and management rights to a cemetery previously held in common.”

Although there is no documentation, it would appear to this writer that between 1925 and 1947 the cemetery was in a state of limbo, with no one assuming an authoritative role.

By 1947 the cemetery had fallen into general disrepair, it was largely overgrown with weeds and long grass, each plot would be on a raised mound of soil with the walkways running between them, fences were down or nonexistent. A few plot holders conducted regular maintenance such as

planting flowers and cutting grass on their family plots, but mostly the cemetery could be described as unkempt.

Quoting from a letter sent soliciting funds for maintenance of the cemetery, “In 1947 a group of public spirited citizens undertook to carry out many needed improvements to this property. A large amount of work was accomplished, the entire cemetery was levelled, cultivated and re-seeded, tombstones were repaired, new fences erected and shrubs planted. As a result this cemetery is now one of the best kept in the province.” The letter closes by saying, “As many deceased left no presently traceable descendants, it falls on us to provide sufficient to ensure the continued care of this hallowed place where many of our loved ones repose.” Since this time perpetual care has been provided to ensure the cemetery does not again fall into disrepair.

In 1948, An Act to incorporate the trustees of Marshfleld Community Cemetery was passed by the Legislative Assembly of PEI. Since that time the cemetery has been managed by trustees as set out in this legislation.

In 1979, to ensure the future needs of residents, land was acquired directly to the south of the existing cemetery. This land was subsequently cleared and seeded.

In 1991, through the Community Pride Program, a monument was erected at the front of the cemetery.

Submitted by Gordon MacBeath

Photo by Donna Thompson

Marshfield Community Cemetery, alongside St. Columba Church