Wiltse
Pioneer Cemetery Dedication Ceremony
Saturday,
October
2,
2004
2:00
PM
(2
KM SOUTH OF
ATHENS
ON COUNTY ROAD
#5)
This
cemetery, now over 200 years of age has been pulled back from oblivion by local
volunteers, members of the Col. Edward Jessup Branch of the United Empire
Loyalists’ Association of Canada and financial support from local citizens and
businesses as well as support from
the greater Wiltse Family.
With
the exception of a modern fence and the memorial area, this cemetery was
restored to represent a 200 year old burial ground.
“Show
me how a nation cares for its dead
and
I will tell you of that nation”
Benjamin
Franklin
WILTSE PIONEER
CEMETERY DEDICATION
The Colonel Edward Jessup
Branch of the United Empire Loyalists set October 2nd, 2004 as the date for
the dedication of the Wiltse Pioneer Cemetery.
Work continued on preparation
throughout the summer and all September with weed removal and a final mowing
on September 28th.
The week leading up to our chosen date was the
most beautiful fall weather imaginable but the long range weather forecast for
Saturday ranged from 40% to 100% chance of rain. However, there was no
changing of plans.
The executive came Saturday morning with extra
umbrellas and ponchos, keeping the chairs under a tarp till the last minute.
The shade over the refreshment table was draped with plastic to protect the
cake.
Only a few sprinkles of rain preceded the 2:00
pm opening. By then Don Clunas, Tim Johnston and Drew Johnston had
overseen the parking of cars and a group of sixty-five people were assembled.
Branch president, Myrtle Johnston opened the
proceedings with words of greeting and a brief history of the cemetery and the
reasons behind the Loyalist involvement in its restoration. Thanks were
extended to the companies, private citizens and Wiltse descendants who had
contributed to the project. Lisa Monroe, on behalf of the Brockville
Memorial Works, accepted a special certificate of appreciation for the
exceptional gift of the inscribed memorial stone.
Special guests who were introduced and spoke
to the crowd were Herb Scott, Reeve of Athens Township; Joanne Faye from
Minnesota, on behalf of the U.S. Wiltse descendants; John Dancy, on behalf of
the Canadian Wiltse descendants; Marg Hall, Vice President of the Central East
Region of the UELAC representing President Doug Grant, who was unable to
attend and
Bernice Flett from the 2014 Committee of the
the UELAC, who has been a strong supporter of this project.
Reverend David Davidson, Branch chaplain, then
took charge of the Dedication service beginning with prayers. He invited
family members to walk the boundary of the burying ground while Duncan
MacDonald played the bag pipes in the back ground and the other participants
joined in repeating the 23rd Psalm. This was most memorable and poignant
for those involved.
Reverend Davidson completed the dedication
with a prayer for the departed and benediction.
The United Empire Loyalist plaque was unveiled
by Marg Hall, the Wiltse plaque by Joanne Faye and the Memorial Stone by
Bernice Flett. The significance of the Flag of the Union was explained,
then with Duncan playing the pipes, our flag was raised by Don Galna,
unfurling perfectly at the top of the flag pole, proud moment for all
Loyalists present.
Guests were invited to share in punch and a
special cake inscribed "Wiltse Pioneer Cemetery 1795 - 1867" and
decorated with the Loyalist Flag. The guest book which remains at the
cemetery was signed by those attending.
As clean up was being completed the
threatening clouds opened and the last of the helpers were drenched but we
were blessed that the down pour began after our guests were safely on their
way.
by Myrtle Johnson,
President of the Col. Jessup Branch UELAC
For pictures, click on
Wiltse
Pioneer Cemetery Dedication
Who Are We
Location Branch
History Local History Executive
Membership
Houses Meetings
Events Our
Ancestors
Loyalist
Cemeteries Resources Links
Picture Gallery Special
Items Projects