We are planning three yearly events at St. John’s Cemetery in York. 

Spring Spruce Up & Planting - Open call community gathering, spring clean up day, branches and brush clearing, adding more decorative plantings, clearing off monuments.  Planting of a Pick and Place garden, of perennial flowering bushes that can be picked and placed at monuments as people walk through and visit. 

Circle of Life Butterfly Release - Small service, submitting names and calling out of people who have passed this year and remembrance requests. Community gathering to release butterflies. Symbolising the beautiful circle of life and the release of spirit to the heavens.

Christmas Candle and Wreath Memorial - Placing wreaths and candle light vigil. Connecting with loved ones at this special time of year. Small ceremony and maybe hymn sung together.

We are hoping to make these 3 events an annual occasion. Adding more events to the calendar as we move forward and have more support. We want to revitalize the cemetery, by adding more beauty to the resting place of your loved ones, and make it a community space to walk, peacefully reflect and remember. 

Local communities of all faiths are welcome and we look forward to meeting you. Your input and support are appreciated. Please contact us to be added to our Calendar events and Updates newsletter. 

GIVING

The cemetery was previously run by steadfast volunteers, without proper funding for maintenance.

There are many improvements that need to happen and much to maintain. Benches, Tree Adoption and Iron Fences can all be dedicated to families or special loved ones. And for a limited time Pews from the church will be for sale. Each purchase gets the Cemetery grounds closer to its full potential.

There is always gratitude for any loving attention to these hallowed grounds. Visits, walks, passing prayers, and honoring loved ones, are the life of this Cemetery. Please contact us if you would like to get updates or volunteer for any community event days.

REVEREND BOLD CUDMORE HILL GIVING

Beautification and Restoration to bring back the shine. We want to revitalize the cemetery by adding more beauty to the resting place for your loved ones, and a community space to walk, reflect and remember.

Named for the Saddleback Reverend Bold Cudmore Hill, who established this and other Anglican Churches along the Grand River. He dedicated his life to ministering so many in Haldimand.

KYFFIN CIRCLE OF GIVING

Giving of over $10,000. This supports very big changes for the Cemetery. Gates, road maintenance, fences, the Scatter Garden, real infrastructure to restore and keep the Cemetery in great shape. Kyffin Circle Members will have their names memorialized. 

Named after James Kyffin who raised the money for the building of the 'New'  St. John's Anglican Church in York that stands today.

MUSSEN LEGACY GIVING

The Mussen Legacy Patron recognizes supporters of The York Cemetery who have included St. John’s Anglican Cemetery, in York, Haldimand, in their wills or estate plans. 

Named after the Mussen Family. Rev. E. Horace Mussen, M. A., who ministered at  St. John’s Anglican Church from 1870-1874. For William and Mary Florence Mussen and their family are buried here.  Generous Patrons of the Cemetery.

The mission is to preserve, protect, and promote The York Cemetery, ensuring The Cemetery’s place in the larger Haldimand community for centuries to come. As a Mussen Legacy Patron, The York St. John’s Anglican Cemetery can be part of your lasting legacy too.

One easy way to make your mark on York, is to leave a simple bequest, naming St. John’s Anglican Cemetery in York Haldimand in your will. By including The York Cemetery in your planned giving:

• You can leave a legacy of art, history, and nature to the community in name of your family. Or your own special ideas of improvement.
• Your bequest or other planned gift, no matter the size, goes to support a sustainable future of The York Cemetery. Your planned contribution goes toward the work that keeps The York Cemetery alive, such as infrastructure, beautification, monument preservation and our annual community events.
• While a bequest is a simple way to make a legacy gift to The York Cemetery,  your accountant, legal counsel, or financial advisor may advise you of other options, such as including The York Cemetery as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, life insurance, or other option. Please seek the advice of a professional for the best option for your planned giving.