The History of Mount Horeb Church Cemetery
Mount Horeb was named for its high location and magnificent view. Settlers came as early as 1840 to the area. The first families were: Reynolds, Pogue, Skuce, Southam and Beamish, all from Ireland. Early settlers in Mount Horeb held services in a log house on the farm of Thomas Nugent until the church was built. On August 19, 1861, James Southam and his wife Alleys deeded a piece of land to the following persons, acting as “Trustees of the Chapel and Burying Ground of the Canadian Wesleyan Methodist New Connexion”, Richard Skuce, John Rea, John Deyell, Richard Southam, William Rea, Rev. H. Leith and William Glass signed as witnesses. The village had a store, a post office, several blacksmith shops, two-way station hotels, the church and a nearby school. The church was remodelled to the structure of today in 1894. Today a small country church and burial grounds remains which has over the years served a faithful local farming community of 3-5 square concessions. Original families are deceased or have moved away, only a few remain. Many of the family names that settled the area are found etched in the stones that silently stand in the cemetery.
The cemetery is a testament to the fortitude of the pioneers and their families of the area with many founding families of Mount Horeb remembered there. In 1926 after being sadly neglected the cemetery lands were completely cleaned up in a community “bee” organized by Thomas Skuce. Today is a well kept, country cemetery with sweeping views of sunrise and sunset over farm fields. It is a quiet rural setting nestled beside the church that remains active for a small congregation.
The cemetery is operated by a small church board of directors that organizes maintenance, sales, interments and finances. The stewards of the cemetery throughout the years have been responsible and forward-thinking making the cemetery a robust and thriving one with a solid perpetual care fund and good finances. The board has worked hard to have the new section of the cemetery opened with the municipality and provincial governing body.
At sunset, with the wind gently blowing through the numerous trees there is a peace, a tranquil calm that feels like a perfect tribute to loved ones buried and remembered.
Board of Directors
- Chairperson: Ron Faulkner
- Vice-Chair: Gerald Hickson
- Secretary/Treasurer: Teresa Jordan
- Fourth Signing Officer: Marco Jetten
- Director At Large: Cameron Reeds
Mount Horeb Church Cemetery Bylaws, Certificate Of Consent & Cemetery Map
Click the link below to download a copy of the following documents: