ST. JAMES CHURCH WAKEHAM
CEMETERY POLICY
We, the members of the St. James parish, are proud of our cemetery and are making every effort to keep it in a respectable condition. Therefore, over the years the cemetery committee has passed a number of regulations to make this task as easy as possible.
A caretaker is employed each year to take care of the mowing and trimming of the grass. Unfortunately the budget for the caretaker does not cover all the maintenance and upkeep that is required. Over the years ”work bees” and “sponsored projects” have been held to do some extra work, such as painting fence posts, straightening posts, planting new posts, etc. However, except for the mowing, the maintenance of individual plots is the responsibility of the family to which it is assigned.
General rules of maintenance are as follows: Grave sites must be left plain except for markers and/or flowers. Existing trees must be removed and no trees are to be planted. The plot must be flat and level with the surroundings in order to simplify mowing. Boxes, fences, etc. must not be placed on sites unless they are placed in an area within two (2) feet in front and at the side of the head stone. The trimming of grass around these boxes or fences is the responsibility of the family. Ornamental shrubs must be maintained and trimmed to a maximum height of three (3) feet. Lots that have been continually neglected by the family will be cleared and seeded. Note: Local citizens are available for hire. The wardens can offer names when requested.
Snow removal at the time of a funeral is the responsibility of the family of the deceased. Snow plows are not to be used in the cemetery. A snow blower may be used to open the roadway. Only a hand blower or shovel should be used to open around graves. After the burial the family must arrange to have the excess ground or gravel removed, the site raked, and grass or seed planted. Later, the family must arrange to have old wreaths and flowers removed, have sunken graves filled, leveled and seeded, and have the headstones straightened when this is deemed necessary.
Lots may be assigned in advance of need, but will only be held if the annual maintenance fee of $20 per plot is being paid. Those who have been assigned lots, and are not paying the annual maintenance fee, will lose their rights to this lot. That lot may then be reassigned to another member.
At the time of need, the following fees apply:
Full members - $50 per half-plot (2 persons)
Non-members/Others $200 per half-plot (2 persons)
For a definition of these terms, please see “Definition of membership” below.
The Annual Maintenance Fee ($20) and donations to the Cemetery Memorial Fund can be mailed to:
Paula Shannon, treasurer, Cemetery Committee,
800 Montee Wakeham,
Gaspe, Qc. G4X 2A1
A tax receipt will be issued.
Definition of membership: A “Full Member” of the St. James congregation has paid $150 or more to the church or cemetery fund during the previous calendar year. Those who have paid less that $150 or who have made no financial contribution are “Non-Members/Others”.
THE GREATER PARISH OF GASPE ANGLICAN CHURCH
Policies – St. James Anglican Church, Wakeham
To be considered a “Full Member” of the St. James’ congregation, each member must have paid a minimum of $150 to the church or cemetery fund in the previous calendar year. This minimum assures that the charges for the use of the church will be waived. Those who have paid less than $150 or have made no financial contribution to the parish in the previous calendar year will be considered “Non-Members”.
Note: Membership includes the head of the household and spouse. Youth are automatically members, if they are of school age or younger, and are supported by parents who are members. However, as the youth finish school and become self- supporting citizens, they are invited to request church envelopes and begin their financial support if they wish to continue to retain membership.
The following rates have been set for the use of St. James’ Church for, for “Non-Members” and for “others” living outside the parish. These rates apply to uses such as Baptisms (held at times other than during the normal church service) Weddings and Funerals.
For the use of the church for one day, at any time during the year the charge will be
$125 a day.
At all such events the Sexton’s fee is $40 and the organist and choir fees to be at the discretion of the family; for supporting members of the Church and non-members alike.
Arrangements for the funeral service are to be made between the family and the attending clergy. It is customary to give the attending priest a monetary donation for weddings and funerals. This is considered a thanksgiving offering. If you wish to know what is customary in this congregation please contact the Wardens.
