Honouring a 185-year-old Catalone cemetery

CATALONE — A memorial service is planned to commemorate a 185-year-old cemetery in Catalone.

The Loch End Cemetery, located on Highway 22 near the Catalone Convenience Store, was first established in 1837. The mortal remains of all the early settlers who worked hard to make Catalone the community it is today lie in the cemetery.

The service will be held on Sunday at 3 p.m. with Pastor Kevin Richardson presiding. Special music will be provided by Kenneth MacKenzie.

During the early 1800s, many Scottish settlers arrived in the Catalone area creating the need for a proper burial ground.

An older lady, who was the great-grandmother of the late Mrs. Margaret (Ernest) Bishop, was the first death among these settlers. Scottish tradition held to the idea that a cemetery should be located near a body of water, at the head of a lake or river if possible.

A trail, about three miles (five kilometres) long, was cut through the forest, and the rough, hand-made casket carrying the body of the elderly lady was carried by hand to a hilltop at the head of Catalone Lake. This was the beginning of Catalone Cemetery.

In 1837, this land was dedicated and named Loch End Cemetery. The mortal remains of all the early settlers who worked hard to make Catalone the community it is today lie in Loch End

Cemetery. Over the years the cemetery has been enlarged several times. May cosmetic changes have been carried out in the landscaping and the maintenance staff continues to keep the area in immaculate condition.

In case of inclement weather, the service will take place at the MacMillan Memorial United Church, Catalone, at the same time.