Restoration of Pioneer Cemetery

"OUR MISSION IS TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF GREENVILLE'S EARLY SETTLERS BY RESTORING AND PRESERVING PIONEER CEMETERY AS A PLACE OF BEAUTY AND A SOURCE OF PRIDE FOR THE COMMUNITY AND ALL WHO VISIT THERE."

Since the organization of the Pioneer Cemetery Preservation Association in the spring of 2008, members have been ever mindful of our mission. We feel we have a historic treasure here in Greenville that only needs to be polished!

Toward that end we have had consultation visits from members of the Alabama Preservation Alliance, the cemetery specialist from the Alabama Historical Commission, and by a regional horticulturist as well as our city horticulturist. Underbrush and some bushes and trees have been removed. Volunteers have cleaned graves and trimmed vines and shrubs.

A workshop by a stone mason specializing in grave cleaning and repair was held in the winter of 2009. Recently a local stone mason met with masonry specialists and is continuing the grave repair that has been underway for several years now. The City of Greenville has been instrumental in providing funds for this part of the restoration. Mayor Dexter McLendon and the Greenville City Council generously appropriated funds for four years to support this project.

Much of the work of the association has been focused on raising the funds that are needed for grave and fence repair and landscaping. It is because of these fundraising efforts and the generosity of our donors that we have been able to hire professional workers for restoration and repair. In addition to the appropriation from the City of Greenville, the association was awarded a preservation grant from the Alabama Historical Commission. The association is extremely grateful for the substantial donations of former Parmer Scholars who have honored their benefactor, W.O. Parmer, by their determination to enhance his final resting place.

Community awareness of our needs and activities is vital for the success of our project, and for that purpose we have held an on-site picnic, a Chamber of Commerce "after hours" event, and host the Fort Dale Academy fourth grade students history tour in the cemetery every spring. Our members have spoken to several civic clubs. Local news media have been generous in providing information about Pioneer Cemetery. With the support of the community, we are on our way to fulfilling our mission statement!


pioneer cemetery clean up