Message from the President: Protecting Our Sacred Grounds A Personal Commitment

My name is John R. Schmehl Jr., and I serve as the President of the Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery. Having been elected by the Board in April 2025, I step into this role not just as a leader, but as a fourth-generation caretaker. My great-grandparents, grandparents, and many other relatives are at rest within these grounds.

Over my time here, I have cleared countless sections and personally reset over 500 monuments. For me, this work is not just a duty; it is a family legacy.

The Recent Disturbances

The past eight weeks have been incredibly difficult for all of us. The Friends have discovered several disturbed mausoleums and vaults on the property. I have personally placed nearly every 911 call regarding these incidents, ensuring that authorities were notified within minutes of any discovery.

While I cannot share specific details due to the active and ongoing investigation, please know that we are working closely with the appropriate authorities to address these violations of our sacred space.

Immediate Actions Taken

In direct response to these events, we have moved aggressively to bolster our security:

• Surveillance: We have expedited the installation of a new camera network across both sides of the cemetery.

• Perimeter Repairs: We have begun repairing fencing along 61st Street, 63rd Street, and Kingsessing Avenue, including the recent completion of the fence line near the SEPTA loop.

• Active Patrols: We have initiated random patrols of the grounds at various hours to deter unauthorized activity.

The Path Forward and Our Financial Reality

Our goal is to fully secure the perimeter, but we face a significant financial hurdle. The original 100-year-old fencing has reached the end of its useful life. We recently received a quote of $9,000 for materials alone just to replace the 61st Street side. This quote is only for 600 feet of Mount Moriah’s perimeter. The fence has many openings and access points that need to be addressed.

To date, we have already spent approximately $20,000 on security upgrades and the physical repair of targeted mausoleums and vaults. This represents nearly a quarter of our total $90,000 annual operating budget.

As a non-profit that relies entirely on donations, we are currently at a crossroads. We want to move forward with these vital infrastructure improvements, but our current funds are stretched thin by these unforeseen emergencies.

How You Can Help

Mount Moriah is more than just a cemetery; it is a repository of our shared history and a final resting place for our families. These recent events have been a wake-up call that our aging infrastructure can no longer protect this sacred space on its own.

We are now raising funds to better secure Mount Moriah and will be addressing the following projects:

1. Replace the Fencing Along 61st Street Approx Material Cost $10,000

2. Install Fencing along the bottom of the Yeadon Side of the Cemetery Approx Material Cost $12,000

3. Repair and Replace the Fencing Along Kingsessing Avenue and address the crumbling brick pillars that are part of the Fence Line Approx Material Cost $20,000

4. Repair/Replace the Fencing along 63rd/Avondale Avenue Approx Material Cost Approx Material Cost $15,000

5. Installation of actively monitored Cameras throughout both side of Mount Moriah Approx Cost $43,000

If you have loved ones here, or if you simply value the preservation of this historic landmark, please consider a tax-deductible donation today. Every dollar stays directly on these grounds to restore, maintain, and preserve this historical cemetery.

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John R. Schmehl Jr. President, Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery

“P.S. As someone whose own grandparents rest here, I promise you that we will not stop until this property is as secure and respected as they deserve it to be.”