Cemetery behind the Church

To the west side of St. Andrew's Anglican Church is a narrow, grassy roadway leading to what used to be the PARSONS (surname) home on the east, and the remains of MORGANS' old house on the west. Extending in a northerly direction for approximately 100 feet, the shared driveway ends between the two homesteads. The "Morgan" house is now gone and nothing remains but the rock foundation on which it was built many years ago. The Parsons house is still standing but the original owners are deceased. Surviving family members sold the property a few years and the new owners renovated the house and use it for their summer residence.

On top of the hill directly behind and overlooking the former "PARSONS" home, is a cemetery. Obscured from view by dense trees, brushes, and tall grasses, it stays hidden from passers-by. The only indication that it even exists can be seen only from within a small clearing beyond the rock-wall boundary and cluster of tangled trees. Some senior residents, born and living in Bryant's Cove all their lives have never seen, or even knew the burial ground existed. I learned about it from a close friend many years ago when we both were young lads hanging around together. This was one of the many places we explored during our adolescent years.

Once inside, I immediately noticed a cluster of Ant hills spread throughout the grounds. Positioning myself for a quick retreat, I disturbed the mounds with my foot expecting to see the startled bugs scurry to the surface. Suprisingly, not a single insect emerged! The soil was dry and powdery like it hadn't been disturbed in years.They must have abandoned their homes when the food supply ran out and went in search of other sources. Not meaning any disrespect to the dead, but it's a well known fact that insects feed on putrid flesh, and what better place to find an abundance of food than in a cemetery.

In the little clearing, partly hidden by the trees and tall grass, is a single headstone in the south-east corner, the only one in the graveyard. All other graves are marked with rocks placed at the head and foot. The marble headstone of Thomas YETMAN

bore very little damage over the years. From the obvious neglect of the Cemetery in general, Thomas' headstone stood the test of time most admirably. It faces westward as opposed to an easterly direction as observed in both the old and present day Anglican cemeteries. In fact, it's uncertain as to what religion this cemetery can be rightfully attributed. It seems that the few that recall anything about it, differ in opinions. The only common denominator is that the forgotten graveyard is either Roman Catholic, or Anglican. According to the people I spoke with, possibility of other religious connections were dismissed as being highly unlikely and no chance whatsoever. (Click the picture for larger view).

UPDATE: Tuesday March 30, 2004; Mayor of Bryant's Cove, Mr. Gordon Stone, and member of the Anglican Church Committee says that this cemetery is definitely Anglican. Thanks to Mr. Stone for this information.

The inscription reads:

There's no other inscription on the stone, not even the expected, "Erected By" information. It almost seems like the benefactor wished to remain anonymous.