From Huntingdon (Quebec) Gleaner, October 29, 2008, page 5
by Florence Ellerton

Hemmingford Cemetery discusses 'Perpetual Care'


 Care and the upkeep of the Hemmingford (Protestant) Cemetery has been a dis­cussion topic at recent meetings of the Hemmingford Cemetery Committee. It appears that many lot owners have a mis­understanding of the old concept of "Perpetual Care"

This concept stems from the old days when all lot owners were assessed an annu­al maintenance fee on their lot. Perpetual care was an alternative where a single pay­ment covered the maintenance fees sup­posedly forever. Today the concept of per­petual care is obsolete. Should committee members just trim the grass on those lots whose owners have paid it and leave the grass grow uncontrolled on the other lots? The committee didn't think so, All lots are treated equally.

Some people believe that the commit­tee is responsible for the maintenance of the monuments. The monuments are sole­ly the responsibility of the lot owner and their family to install, engrave and main­tain. If the family is still around, they are expected to make any necessary repairs or hire someone to do so. If the family has disappeared the committee may, at their discretion, stabilize monuments for safety reasons.

On June 9 committee members Donald Hadley, Karl Kramell, Florence Ellerton, Mary Ellerton, James Laurie and David Napper walked through the cemetery to check on work that needed to be done. It was noted a stone was lying on the ground and needed to be placed back on the base, and another stone's base had been bumped and pushed back. Many shrubs needed to be trimmed and/or removed. This is the responsibility of the lot owner. Donald Hadley was authorized to put a chain and lock on the large gate so no one can drive in. It was noted that someone drove between the stones as the car's tire marks were there. The gate will be locked at all times except for mowing and for funerals. If visitors wish to go in they must use the walk-in gate or make arrangements with one of the above committee mem­bers.

If readers wish to help keep the ceme­tery in its present condition, the committee is seeking donations for the upkeep of the cemetery. Some even remember the ceme­tery and leave a donation in their wills. Cheques can be made payable to the Hemmingford Cemetery Co. and sent c/o Darbie Somerville Hill, 837 Old Road, Hemmingford, Quebec  JOL 1HO