This past Sunday, July 16, was Huntsville’s third annual Cemetery Decoration Day. Families and friends gathered at local cemeteries to visit loved ones, plant flowers and share stories of the past. It was a peaceful, overcast afternoon, befitting an event that balanced the sadness of loss with the joy of life.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for the current generation to introduce a young generation to the previous generation,” said Colleen MacDonald, Manager of Parks and Cemeteries for the Town of Huntsville. For her, Cemetery Decoration Day is a chance to make connections along the family tree. “As a youngster, I attended many decoration days with my parents, and because of that, I know where a lot of my ancestors are. Without that type of an annual event, I wouldn’t know where those people are.”
At the Madill Church Cemetery, William and Victoria Bradford were looking after the resting places of a father and a son, among many other relatives.
“My dad was a vet and a minister. He fought with a weapon and did church parade on Sunday,” William Bradford beamed with pride as he told stories about his father’s life and service. In honour of his efforts at Vimy Ridge, the Bradford family unveiled a new monument on April 9, on the 100th anniversary of the famous battle, highlighting the late William Bradford Sr.’s service record.
The connection between the Bradford family and Madill Church perfectly showcases the value of Cemetery Decoration Day to our community: it was a time to enjoy the fellowship of neighbours, explore history and pay respect to loved ones. In short, it was everything MacDonald said it could be, and she certainly seemed aware of that as she enjoyed her time chatting with the Bradfords.
With Madill Church facing an uncertain future, it is important to remember its past. If you have a personal tie, or feel a sense of community goodwill towards the church, there are efforts underway to ensure its place in our community moving forward. “Staff are working on a report for council and committee. Currently the building is owned by the United Church, they started the conversation with us about whether we do want to take ownership,” said MacDonald. She is certainly doing her part by organizing a peaceful and beautiful experience on Cemetery Decoration Day.
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