Doing the Graveyard Shift
Q & A Forum

Four guest speakers were invited to answer the questions, What happens to a cemetery when it is no longer used or is sold as part of a Church property? How are historic graveyards cared for?

Allan Barnes described the legislation and policy of the Uniting Church towards private ownership of church lands previously used for burials. He shared the history of the Normanville Wesleyan Graveyard and the efforts of the Uniting Church and YDHS to ensure that the graveyard achieved SA Heritage listing. Two other cemeteries from the early Wesleyan Churches remain in the district – the Harcourt Wesleyan and Torrens Vale Bible Christian cemeteries in Torrens Vale.

Merilyn McLaren spoke about the Myponga community strategy to retain the Myponga cemetery. She outlined the history of the Church and the donation of various parcels of land by Myponga families and the building of the two church halls by local tradespersons and volunteers. Due to dwindling numbers, it became clear that the Church and other buildings would be sold. A Cemetery committee was formed with the goal of maintaining the cemetery and lobbying to retain it for the community. They were granted ownership of the Cemetery in 2024.

Nigel Pile of Yankalilla District Lions Club told about their work in maintaining historic cemeteries, the Normanville Wesleyan, the Torrens Vale Harcourt and the Cockatoo Hill cemetery at which in future the Lions hope to place plaques.

Georgie Tape and her husband bought the former Inman Valley Uniting Church and cemetery three years ago. They made the 1954 asbestos clad hall their home, transforming it into a beautiful Queenslander style home. The graves on the property were carefully considered in the design of the garden, and they have honoured their requirement to allow access for people to visit the graves. All visitors have been respectful and the experience has been enriching for all.

Speakers showed images of tombstones in the respective cemeteries sharing anecdotes of the people interred, and their links to the district. Several questions were asked of the panel, eliciting more information and anecdotes. Morning tea and further discussion followed.