The Point of Rocks Colored Cemetery 1879
Donation protected
The Point of Rocks Colored Cemetery 1879 in Frederick County needs perpetual care.
This historic cemetery rises above a hill in front of you as you approach it. It was associated with a Colored Methodist Church, later the AME Church. The oldest headstone dates from 1878. The last burial was in 1985.
There are former slaves and Civil War, World War I, World War II and Korean War veterans buried in the cemetery.
One of the former slaves buried in the cemetery Nathan Hall was one of three former slaves that witnessed the destruction of the St. Paul Episcopal Church by Union Soldiers. After the Civil war, St. Paul’s, as did many others, sued Congress for the damages done by Union troops. Former slaves, Mary Clark, and Nathan Hall (siblings), testified on behalf of the parish. During the Civil War, St. Paul’s was used by Union troops of the United States Army. The interior furnishings were used as barricades and for firewood. The building also served as a hospital and for cooking purposes. The United States Government compensated the Church and awarded $1,000 by the 59th Congress (1905 – 1907) for war damages. The payment was used for restoration purposes.
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Over 23 years ago, decedents forged a campaign to care for the cemetery. They started with just the basic needs(mowing, edging around the tombstones, clearing overgrown debris, steps were built, and a sign was constructed). The group would meet twice a year to discuss the need to maintain care. Members contributed sixty dollars a year towards the upkeep.
Over a year ago, the group met for the first time in about five years to discuss the future of the cemetery. Most of the original members have passed away and now the surviving members are up in age( now in their seventies and eighties, the oldest in their nineties.
Erick Ashby- Bey and Donna Nelson took on the mission over a year ago.
“ We are committed to preserve and protect the sacred landscape( Point of Rocks Colored Cemetery 1879) and the history of our ancestors and are determined to support and partner with African American Historic preservation organizations and groups around the country who are dedicated to preserve these hollowed grounds.
We are raising funds to implement the following plans: Incorporate “Point of Rocks Colored Cemetery 1879 - Friends and Descendants for Heritage Preservation” apply for 501(c)(3) status; As a nonprofit, we will be able to fund raise through membership, grants, and events.
Budget for this fundraising campaign:
Funding for the continued upkeep of the cemetery(hire an experienced professional person to mow, edge and clean the cemetery grounds - $1200
Incorporation & 501(c)(3) fees- $1100
Recording Ownership Court filing fees - $700
Total - $3000
*Our attorney will be filing a quick deed so we will have legal ownership.
*Please help us preserve this vital part of Maryland’s African American history.
*Follow us on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/776539887279559
Organizer
Donna Nelson and Eric Ashby-Bey
Organizer
Point of Rocks, MD