About
The Maynard Cemetery dates back as early as 1814 and is presently the resting place of approximately 2,600 people. The cemetery was originally located behind the Methodist Church known as the Augusta Chapel, which was erected in 1817. In 1833 the Episcopal Methodists joined with the Wesleyans of England and the chapel became known as Wesleyan Methodist Church. In 1873 a smaller brick building was built to replace the existing frame which stood on the grounds. This brick building remained in use until 1912 when it was taken down. Evidence of it's foundation can still be seen on the North side of Soldiers' Memorial Monument.
In 1914 a meeting was held at the Victoria United Church for the purpose of appointing trustees for the cemetery. The meeting was called by the Maynard Women's Institute which had been attempting to provide some improvements and caretaking to the grounds. From this gathering, seven trustees were named and so began the first organized group of caretakers.
As land was needed, another committee was able to purchase land and the cemetery began to expand. At the close of WWI the Women's Institute spearheaded a move to have a Soldiers' Memorial erected. The memorial was officially unveiled in 1920.
Following WWII the Maynard Women's Institute called a public meeting to gather the names of those lost in the war. With the help of a committee, the names were assembled and a plaque was added to the Soldiers' Memorial Monument.
Over the years many hours have been spent at the cemetery gathering information from stones in an attempt to compile an accurate database of those who lay buried at the cemetery. As well, many improvements have been made to the grounds by a dedicated core of workers. Members of the present board are no exception as much of their time and effort is spent on the improvements made within the limits of the financial condition.
