May 2011 News
The long-awaited columbarium was delivered on Thursday, May 19. So far, over 23 people have purchased burial space in the 48-unit columbarium. Bronze niche plaques are still coming for those who have already purchased their niches and they will be installed on their respective niches when they arrive. There will be a dedication prayer service held at the Cemetery on Memorial Day.
Cemetery History
The first portion of the current cemetery was purchased in 1918 and comprised 3.12 acres of land sold to St. Henry for $468.00 by Victor and Viola Kingsbury.
In 1962, St. Henry acquired another 1.15 acres adjoining the original portion from Catharine Frassel for less than $100. The last portion of the cemetery, aproximately 2.89 acres, was purchased in November 1971 from Fred and Grace Tozer.
Today, St Henry Cemetery encompasses 7.16 acres of land, of which only a portion is platted and being used for burials.
Cemetery Board
The Cemetery Board consists of nine members – the pastor, parish administrator (cemetery manager), Pastoral Council liason and six members from the parish community selected from the Shared Ministry sign-up.
The Cemetery Board operates under a set of by-laws which conform to church doctrine and state laws. All monies collected are separate from church funds.
The Cemetery Board has adopted a set of rules and regulations that govern the cemetery, many of which are posted at the entrance to the grounds.
Currently, the board is in the process of obtaining a master plan concept design for developing the remainder of the cemetery property. This master plan will include such items as roads, columbarium niches, a small mausoleum, gardens and meditation areas. The expansion of the cemetery will take place over a number of years as needed.
Cemetery Rules and Regulations
A detailed listing of cemetery rules is available at the parish office. A summary of the more important rules is included here.
- Plants and flowers on shepherd’s hooks or single-post stand planters only.
- One shepherd’s hook or post stand per grave.
- Objects made of or containing glass are prohibited.
- All decorations are subject to removal without notice should they become unsightly, are deemed inappropriate, or remain beyond the specified time.
- Other than approved plant stands, any other decorations must be off the ground for maintenance reasons. They may not be hung on trees, shrubs, fencing, or other cemetery property.
- No landscaping or lawn care is permitted by persons other than the appointed contractor or the cemetery groundskeeper.
- No signs, advertising, peddling, soliciting, or notices of any kind are permitted.
- No alcoholic beverages allowed.
- No pets allowed.
- No hunting, snowmobiles, ATVs or motorized bikes.
- Perpetual care assumed by the cemetery shall in no case mean maintenance, repair, or replacement of any vase, basket, memorial, flowers or other objects placed as a memorial or decoration. The cemetery is not gated or locked. Please do not place memorials or decorations that have significant value to you in the cemetery.
Cemetery Location
Directions: From St. Henry, take 7th Street East to State Highway 25 and go south (toward Buffalo) over Interstate Highway 94 to Chelsea Blvd. Turn west (right) onto Chelsea and follow for approximately 3/4 mile. Cemetery is on north side (right) of Chelsea.
