“Give rest, O Christ,
to your servants with your saints”
The Area Parish of the Saint Lawrence maintains four cemetery locations.
Maple Grove Cemetery
Maple Grove Cemetery, located on the outskirts of Cornwall, is an active burial ground that was affected by the Saint Lawrence Seaway and Power Project in the 1950s. Many cemeteries in the project’s path had to be relocated. Maple Grove Cemetery had to be completely relocated due to the construction of the Seaway-era powerhouse and divisionary canal. The Anglican parish in Cornwall decided not to incorporate the cemetery with the Saint Lawrence Valley Union Cemetery, leading to the establishment of the new Maple Grove Cemetery at its current location.
The relocation of Maple Grove Cemetery took two months to complete. The project faced challenges, such as identifying graves at the new site, but was conducted with reverence and without the use of machinery.
The original Maple Grove Cemetery was established in the late 18th Century and was part of Jeremiah French’s land holdings. French, a loyalist officer, settled in the area in 1784 and cleared ten acres of land near the Long Sault rapids. The area was known as French’s Point and later as Maple Grove.
Overall, Maple Grove Cemetery’s history is intertwined with the development of the Saint Lawrence Seaway and Power Project, with its relocation being a significant event in its timeline.
For more information, read, “Sacred Ground: Loyalist Cemeteries of Eastern Ontario” by Stuart Lyall Manson.
Situated high above Vincent Massey Drive, the cemetery is a quiet retreat for many to stop and reflect. Maple Grove has burial plots available for purchase through the Trinity Church office. See Contact Us.
Maple Grove Cemetery Beautification Project
In 2023, Trinity Anglican Church began the Maple Grove Cemetery Beautification Project. This project seeks to revive our cemetery as a place of dignity and peace.
Planting of Trees
One of the first notable concerns we encountered was the destruction of the forest behind the cemetery over the past few years. This has resulted in the cemetery becoming a rather barren-looking hill, rather than a quiet place nestled in an actual grove of maples. We have already moved ahead with the planting of four maple trees along the back fence line. We may branch out with other foliage over the course of the project, but this alone has already begun to provide dignity to the space.
Demolition of the Shed
Another priority of the project was to address the problem of the shed. The shed, particularly the roof and window frames, had been significantly damaged by weather over the past number of years. Preliminary research into the cost of replacing the roof indicated that it would be more cost effective to demolish the building rather than repair. This has not affected the operation of the cemetery in any significant way since the shed had not been used for years and had since lost its purpose. The cement pad on which it rested, however, is in very good shape, and so there is a desire to transform this into a seating area with benches and no-to-low maintenance plants, providing a place of quiet reflection and prayer, as well as a focal point for any services that may happen there in the future. Maple Grove Cemetery currently has a large amount of yet unused space, so perhaps it may be worthwhile to have a conversation about scattering grounds, a columbarium, or other amenities.
Other Goals
Other smaller objectives for the near future include the repair of the main sign which has started falling over and rusting, headstone maintenance (responsible parties may need to be contacted), and other adjustments to the landscaping.
If you would like to contribute to this project, click the “Donate” button above or contact the Trinity Anglican Church Office for more details.
St. john the Evangelist Graveyard
St. John the Evangelist, Lancaster, keeps a traditional churchyard cemetery a few steps from the church building and within close proximity to the St. Lawrence River. The memorial stones in the churchyard help tell the history of St. John’s and the village of Lancaster.
Ground burial plots and columbarium niches are available through the St. John’s office. See Contact Us.
Trinity Church Graveyard
Trinity Church, Cornwall is one of the oldest Christian communities in Eastern Ontario. The land on which the church sits includes a cemetery which is the final resting place for residents of Cornwall from as as far back as the 1700s, including many people important to the history of Canada. Interment is no longer possible at the Trinity Church but the grounds are open to the public for prayer, quiet reflection and historical interest.
St. George’s Cemetery
St. George’s Cemetery is located at the former site of St. George’s Anglican Church in Gallingertown. Founded around the same time as Trinity Church, Cornwall, this small rural burial site is not able to accommodate new interments. The site is open for visitors who wish to pray, reflect, and learn about the history of the area. The cemetery is maintained by Christ Church Seaway in Long Sault.