The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-11-13

TIE LAUREL HILL CEMETERY-ITs PAST
History AND FUTURE PRosPECTs-It has been
about thirty years since the Laurel Hill Gene
terry Company was hrst organized and COM
menced operations. At that time it is believed
that there was but one other institution of the
kind III the world, tue Mount Auburn Cemetery,
near Boston, which dates its Inauguration 2
few months previous to the one at Laurel Hill.
The ground 6rst taken up by the company was
but twenty acre. in extent but by additions
from time to time this has been increased to
over one hunOred and twenty acres, and we
learn tnat the company has recently effected
the purchase OF fifty acres more, extending
towards the Columbia Bridge, on which they
will commence their projected improvements
in the ensuing spring. The present time is,
therefore, an appropriate one for calling the
attention of the public TO the subject.
There being but one rival cemetery in exist
enCe at the time that the Laurel Hill Company
commenced their operations, and this one being
then mere experiment OF Jew months, the
new undertaking encountered all the ridicuc
and opposition when Is lnseparable from the
carly history Of every enterprise OF a new and
praisewoIthy character. The clergy OF the
different denominations, in particular, directed
their great influence against the movement, the
principal objection urged by them being the
time consumed in attendance upon funerals
10 the country. This opposition has
long since been overcome and now
almost every Christian denomination
lends Its countenance and encouragement The
remains OF the late Bishop Potter, of the Eps-
copal Diocese of Pennsylvania, have found their
last resting-place here; ana the following.
among several of tie city churches, have regu-
lar buTyIng grounds within its llmlts:-The
Flith Baptist, st. Stephens Episcopal, st. Johns
German Lutheran, and the Society OF Friends.
The different lot-holders now number over 5000,
among whom are at least sixty ceTgymen of
various denominations.
One of the most admirable features of this
cemetery, and the one to which its great success
has been due In a great measure, is its con-
yenient and picturesque situation on the banks
boundary for over mile. In this respect 1t has
an advantage OF which neither Mount Auburn
nor Greenwood its two great rivals, can
boast. owing to its elevated position-one hun
dTed ana ten ieet above the level
OF the ScEuylkill -- its soil, instead OF
being the moist clay usually found in
lower localities, is composed OF dry sand and
gravel. Beng distaut only four miles from the
business centre OF the city, il enjoys likewise
the combined advantage OF being in the rural
districts, ana yet easily and readily accessible,
by bridge or ferry.
The general aspect OF the grounds has been
| undergoing constant Improvement m the way
of drsining, planting, and plotting. The beauty
OF its monuments has also been secured at an
| enormous outlay, the cost of the stone and
merble used being estimated at over 81, 900, 900.
II Is not likely that its present state will ever
retroerade, AS each purchaser OF lot is required,
| on the execution OF his deed, 10 contribute a
small sum, which Is added to the permanent
Juno ior keeping the grounds In general repair.
lhls constantly increasing fund, which now
amounts 10 nearly $40, ,0OO is invested in the
pest class OF clty and State securities and has
been mace over, In trust, TO the Girard Life In
snrahce, Anhulty, and Trust Company, which