"We do not forget the service, nor the men and women, that have had part in making our life and lot. We cannot keep a list of all their names, but only of those whom circumstances, favorable or adverse, have made conspicuous, not necessarily for that, the most deserving. But the story of their deeds we cherish, and the transmitted power of their spirits we feel, as part of the great life to which we belong." - Major General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain on the Occasion of York's 250th Anniversary Celebration. Click here to read the full text of General Chamberlain's Remarks.
We have recently surveyed the existing records of burials in our cemetery. Over the years there have been at least two stone to stone studies.
We have identified over 6,150 burials. If a record is incomplete it is because the information is not available to us. The abbreviation "EGNK" means exact grave not known".
Most cemetery records include just names, dates, and locations. Sometimes we also know the relationship of the person such as "daughter of", "wife of", "father of". Information about WHO the person was and what is remembered about that person becomes lost to the ages and exists only in memories.
Individual pages recognize United States Armed Forces, York and York Beach Fire Department Membership, and Old York Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution Members. Eventually, other organizations and affiliations will be identified and recognized. Flags and markers are provided on actual gravesites at First Parish Cemetery. Now the permanent record will indicate the same.
There are over 200 private cemeteries in York. The Old York Burial Ground and South Side Cemetery are tourist attractions and historically significant. The links below will tell you who is buried in these cemeteries.
Memorialization is so important in today's fast paced world. People who have died are more than "dates", born and died. Since each person at First Parish Cemetery has their own individual page we can encourage "Remembrances" from family and friends.
We invite you to compose a short remembrance and submit it to the Trustees for inclusion on this website.
Families are also encouraged to submit photos, obituaries, articles, links to family webpages, and other information that you would like to see included in the permanent cemetery record of your relative. Go back as far as you can. Tell us about your parents, grandparents, great grandparents. The community of York wants to reacquaint themselves with people who have preceded us.
According to "Manual of the First Congregational Church, York, Maine", dated January, 1915, these people were Members of the Church at that time. They are buried at First Parish Cemetery.
Click here for a look at several sections of "Manual of the First Congregational Church, York, Maine", dated January, 1915. Learn more about Church History from 1640 to 1915!
Click here to read Rev. Sidney K. Perkins' paper delivered to the audience at York's 250th Anniversary Celebration in August, 1902. It is a short history of First Parish in York and has some wonderful recollections of Rev. Samuel Moody.
Deacon John Sewall is also buried at Southside Cemetery.
Click here to read "The Minister's Black Veil", by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Is this the story of Second Parish Church's Father Handkerchief Moody? Perhaps? Click PLAY if you would like the story read to you.
Photos are courtesy of Rev. Dr. Rich Knight, Former Senior Pastor, First Parish Church, York, ME 03909
This site is designed, owned and maintained by Thomas Feeney
PUBLISHER ID#: 0926051714aa
Pages created with OVS-Genealogy's CemEditor and CemToHtm
Copyright 2008-2013. All rights reserved.