The St. Thomas Cemetery: A Place of Historical Significance and Lasting Legacies

Nestled at 67 West Ave in St. Thomas, Ontario, the St. Thomas Cemetery stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of history and memories that bind the city and the nation. This not-for-profit cemetery, spanning 25 acres of gently rolling hills, cradles approximately 22,000 souls who have left indelible imprints on our local landscape. As visitors explore its hallowed grounds, the intricate grave markers serve as reminders of the lives that have contributed to the legacy of this community.

The roots of the St. Thomas Cemetery stretch back to the early days of the city. In the early 1800s, Colonel Thomas Talbot's vast land grant, which would become Elgin County, attracted settlers eager to start anew. They toiled in building roads and cultivating farmlands, even shouldering muskets in defense when the United States declared war on Great Britain in 1812. The signing of the peace treaty at Ghent in 1814 ushered in an era of safety and renewed hope for pioneers in this region.

One of these early pioneers was William Drake, whose farm abutted the Gravel Toll Road, now known as Sunset Drive. In a small, fenced area on his land, he laid his daughter-in-law, Margaret, to rest. His will, dated March 1842, expressed his earnest wish: "It is my will and desire that a certain part of the above piece of land now fenced off and used as a public burying ground be at all times hereafter reserved for that use and purpose forever."

From these modest beginnings, the St. Thomas Cemetery has flourished into a serene and spacious 25-acre burial ground, officially incorporated as a non-profit cemetery with a dedicated volunteer board of directors in 1865.

In 1910, the cemetery's expansion took an exciting turn when South Park Cemetery, situated at the intersection of Southdale Line and Sunset Road, became part of the St. Thomas Cemetery Company's holdings. This new parcel of land, acquired from E.D. Welding, initially spanned 71 acres. After careful evaluation, 50 acres were deemed unsuitable for burial purposes and were eventually sold, becoming the present-day property of Canadale Nurseries.

South Park Cemetery, in stark contrast to the rolling hills of the West Ave. location, boasts flat, level terrain reminiscent of the Prairie landscapes. Its breathtaking vistas offer unobstructed views of both sunrise and sunset from every angle within the cemetery.

The War Veterans Association recognized the inherent beauty of this land and approached the cemetery company to discuss the burial of returned soldiers. The Memorial Plot was thus established, and the cross was unveiled in this section by Brigadier General King in 1922.

Notably, the St. Thomas Cemetery is home to Elgin County's only mausoleum of its size, alongside the occasional family crypt. Constructed in 1919 by DM Mitchell and funded through the sale of crypts managed by Prudential Trust Company of Toronto, this mausoleum was a product of the dedicated efforts of the Maple Leaf Chapter of the Eastern Star. The mausoleum's enduring popularity led to a significant addition, including a chapel and receiving vault, housing an additional 250 crypts. The exterior is built of reinforced concrete, while the interior is adorned with solid marble. It became the final resting place for the affluent members of the community who could afford the high cost of the crypts.

Even today, the St. Thomas Cemetery remains a non-profit institution, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of plot holders. Over the years, the cemetery has faced financial challenges, but it continues to maintain the burial grounds, ensuring they remain welcoming, beautiful, and safe. The cemetery welcomes and graciously accepts all donations and bequests, providing donors with a tax receipt for their contributions.

The St. Thomas Cemetery stands as a remarkable testament to the city's history and the individuals who have played an integral role in shaping its narrative. It remains a place of solace, reflection, and remembrance, where the past and present converge in timeless harmony.