The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-06-09

ROCK CREEK CHURCH.

So much has been written about the inexpediency Of
ntramura buria that the public needs further eu
dation the subject As simple taste il seems
far better that the cities of the dead should be from
the busy haunts of men, and for the sake peretuang
their records that the departed should rest in soil which
must forever remain sacred to them alone Squares on
squares within the corporate limits now used for burial
places of which in time must from the expansion Of
business in other cities be changed 10 their purpose
Sand almemenos removed Some may be dismantled for
other reasons it may appear be objectionable to bury
in stratum which, cropping out in important position,
affords large supply Of water TO the city
The action Of other cities in the formation Of beautiful
extramura cemeteries must be followed In ours and five
prove unable to maintain on grand scae al least two
three minor may be established 1t is true that
beautiful cemetery does already exist Georgetown yet
fear that its limits could not be sufficiently expanded
to meet the wants ola rapid Embarrassing population This
future difficulty may be met by continuing improve
beautiful locality, familiar older citizens and yet
perhaps unknown to those who have attery made their
homes with Turning to the right from the Seventh
street tolgae and passing north from the United States
Military Asylum led one of the sweetest most
romantic spots within borders where for much than
century small hllocks and quainily headsones
show the rcstngplaces of the peaceful humble dead Of
Rock Greek parish Standing the walls Of the aneen,
church. beneath the dense cedars and the massive oak
trees shade the viser must feel that In the repose
ioNeiy spot all that could
be sought for in mans last home Here in these hundred
have slept undisrbed for century, here Their
descendants may be brought long we are nation
need their friends fear a change
The locality as well the fact that in 1877 this land
was devoted TO this purpose forever will preclude the po
sbility Of any dissertation Let those who ride for pleas
ure in suburbs but towards this secluded spot
and If they have read Grays Eegy they win find bis
sweetest words and their engonderod thoughts stealing
over their memories. They need not look for astord
urn or trophies Of pride aud pomp for none arc here
All around them will but speak Of peaceful hope and all
Of Nature near viii teach reposc
We can hardly say that Rock Creek ehlrch-yarf has
been neglected but By many has been entirely forgotten
Many families have purchased ground within the city, for
getting as is national habit the future in the present
conycnienceoTgeting that the lessons which their tomb
stones should teach their children win be oberated
moved This is no strain of fancy for young AZ Is
community there are gray heads who recall the bean
hul burial place about the old Bridge Street church IN
Georgetown uprootcd and almost forgotten The
many who know the beauties and aptitude Of the Rock
Greek church cemetery win be pleased TO learn that
Der Of our esteemed citizens have taken and begun i'm
prove ground within its limits and II the efforts of the
cellent rector the Rev DR. Buck are encouraged withs
little care u can be made what long since should hare
been, The permanent burial place Of Washington city
There u no association TO profit by it, tho proceeds Of
sales must 60 TO the object for which IL grant
ed NO one can be benefited but the descendants Of those
who there viii be laid