Help Us Rebuild History at the Saint-Colomban Cemetery!

Join us in preserving the rich heritage of the Saint-Colomban Cemetery by supporting our fundraising campaign to rebuild the crumbling wall that safeguards numerous historic monuments. Together, we can ensure the protection and restoration of this sacred site for generations to come.

The Need

The existing wall supporting the monuments in the Saint-Colomban Cemetery is deteriorating, putting at risk the precious monuments that bear witness to the history of this cherished community. Without prompt intervention, these irreplaceable artifacts may be lost forever. We aim to raise $30,000 to rebuild the wall and safeguard the memory of the past.

Our Goal

With your generous contributions, we will rebuild the wall, reinforcing its structural integrity and preserving the historic monuments within its protective embrace. Your support will directly impact the preservation of this sacred space, enabling future generations to connect with their ancestors and appreciate the heritage that defines us.

Why it Matters

The Saint-Colomban Cemetery is not just a resting place for the departed but also a living testament to the cultural and historical legacy of our community. By rebuilding the wall, we are not only honoring the memory of those who came before us but also ensuring that their stories and contributions endure.

Join Us

Help us reach our $30,000 goal by making a donation today! Every contribution, big or small, makes a significant impact on the restoration of this sacred site. Together, let's watch the thermometer rise as we strive to rebuild history, one brick at a time.

Donate and Make a Difference

Visit our donation form to make a secure online donation. You can also contribute by sending a cheque to CIMPN at 61 rue Somerset, Baie D’Urfe, Quebec, Canada, H9X 2V8. Let's work together to rebuild the wall and preserve the remarkable legacy of the Saint-Colomban Cemetery.

Thank you for your support and for joining us in this important endeavor. Together, we can ensure that the past continues to inspire and educate future generations.

St. Columban Cemetery

SC-Irish Admin - Mon, 10/05/2020 - 20:21

St. Columban, Quebec, Canada was settled mainly by Irish Immigrants in the early 1800’s.

On October 1st 2005, a number of family researchers visited the area.

We had heard that some tombstones, due to vandalism and the simple ravages of time, had fallen over. We had also heard that many of them had been unceremoniously discarded behind the St. Columban Catholic Church.

Cemetery at St. Columban, Quebec

Many of us were not prepared to discover that the final markers of many of our original Irish ancestors to Canada, were to be found in the “bush” behind the church. They were thrown on top of one and another – broken and forgotten. As well, we found some other broken tombstones, still in the cemetery, but they simply lay on the ground or were standing against other upright tombstones.

St Columban researchers discover discarded tombstones in the “bush” behind the St. Columban Catholic Church.

 

 

 

Just a few of the many broken & discarded tombstones found in the “bush”

As descendants of these original pioneers, we are outraged at this treatment of these last markers. And, we are determined to do something about it!

Kelley O'Rourke-Thomassin – (orourke.kelley@yahoo.com) has already started with efforts to find the government departments and/or individuals responsible for repairs to Cemeteries & gravestones.

We will likely need both your suggestions and your help as we proceed…

Do you have any suggestions on who we might contact?

Would you be willing to volunteer some time if we physically have to help with the project?

Would you be willing to contribute money if we have to raise funding to make this project fully or partially self-financing? See our Maintenance Fund page.

Please forward any of your comments on this Cemetery Restoration project using our contact form.

Thank You