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Cemetery Restoration Update - Fergus_Keyes - 07-05-2008
Cemetery Restoration Update
As most of you know, almost three (3) years ago in October 2005, we started our plan to restore the broken tombstones in St. Columban to their proper place in the Cemetery. We raised some funds, and promoted this project, and I?m pleased that we have a tentative meeting scheduled for Sunday, July 13th 2008, in St. Columban to finalize our efforts and start the actual construction.
There seems to be a general agreement that this project will consist of building a wall(s) that will include the broken tombstones. (Presently all of the fragments are stored at Kelley?s home and her neighbours are wondering how a cemetery suddenly appeared in her driveway!).
We still do not have a definite estimate of the costs or the time it will take to complete but we believe that we likely have enough funds that are in trust with the St. Patrick?s Society of Montreal. If not, we can certainly determine a way to raise additional monies, if necessary.
So, if it all works out, we should start (and perhaps finish) the construction this year and, at some point to have a proper unveiling of the monument to ou ancestors of St. Columban.
Take Care Everyone,
Fergus.
Re: Cemetery Restoration Update # 2 - Fergus_Keyes - 07-14-2008
Hi Everyone,
Just to keep everyone aware of our efforts...
Yesterday, Sunday, July 13th 2008 a few people from our group including Ken; Kelley; Claude and myself met with representatives from the Fabrique (Church Wardens). We have now determined the location for our memorial walls - which will be around the large Cross near the enterance to the Cemetery. It was also agreed that one of most important issues was to build strong foundations. Because of the climate etc. in St. Columban, it would seem that these foundations should be at a depth of at least 4 1/2 feet. (They would be also 15 feet long and about 18" wide). We met a couple of contractors and hope to start putting in these foundations in the next few weeks. Ken will co-ordinate this effort.
Once the foundations are in place, we will decide to start with one (or all three) walls - depending on the funds we have, as well as, the amount of immediate space that we need for the existing broken tombstones...
Claude will try to take pictures on a regular basis as the project moves along
Take Care
Fergus