St. John’s Cemetery, situated at 80-01 Metropolitan Avenue in Middle Village, New York, is a sprawling and historically significant cemetery. Established in 1881 under the vision of Bishop John Loughlin, the first Bishop of Brooklyn, it offers a serene final resting place across its expansive 190 acres. This large and scenic cemetery is not just a burial ground but a landmark with deep roots in the community.
A Dedicated Space for Clergy and Religious Congregations
Within the vast grounds of St. John’s Cemetery lies a বিশেষভাবে designated section known as 056. This area holds particular significance as it is dedicated to providing burial plots for Diocesan Priests and members of various religious congregations. This dedicated section underscores the cemetery’s close ties to the Catholic Church and its role in honoring those who have served the faith.
Ownership and the Saint John’s Cemetery Corporation
Originally under the Diocese of Brooklyn, the management of St. John’s Cemetery transitioned in 2007 to the Saint John’s Cemetery Corporation. This corporation now oversees all cemeteries associated with the Brooklyn Diocese, forming a unified management structure for these sacred grounds. Besides St. John’s Cemetery, the corporation is also responsible for Brooklyn’s Holy Cross Cemetery, Mount St. Mary in Flushing, and St. Charles/Resurrection Cemetery in Farmingdale. This consolidation ensures consistent standards and care across these important Catholic cemeteries.
Rules and Regulations for a Respectful Environment
Like all cemeteries, St. John’s Cemetery maintains specific rules and regulations to ensure a respectful and peaceful environment for all visitors. These guidelines are carefully designed to balance the needs of grieving families with the necessity of maintaining the cemetery’s order and beauty. While cemetery management understands the emotional weight of losing a loved one, these rules are essential for preserving the cemetery’s reputable standards. Detailed regulations can be found in the Planting and Decoration Regulations document.
St. John’s Cemetery actively enforces rules concerning decorations left at gravesites. While the cemetery encourages remembrance and honoring loved ones, the regulations are in place to uphold the tranquil and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere of the grounds.
Key rules regarding visitor conduct and decorations include:
- The speed limit for vehicles within the cemetery is 10 miles per hour.
- Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult while in the cemetery.
- Animals are not permitted on cemetery grounds.
- Ornaments, statues, shells, Christmas decorations, glass or ceramic containers, barriers, and similar items are not allowed on graves, plots, or memorials and will be removed by cemetery authorities without prior notice.
- The Cemetery Management is not responsible for any decorations or plants left at graves.
- Floral arrangements from burial services may be removed and disposed of by cemetery management following the service.
- Photography is prohibited within the cemetery.
- Picking flowers or disturbing plants and shrubbery is not allowed.
- St. John’s Cemetery reserves the right to remove any deteriorated decorations that detract from the cemetery’s overall appearance.
- Emblems of non-religious organizations are generally prohibited on graves or plots, with exceptions potentially made for emblems of police and fire departments at the discretion of Cemetery Authorities.
In conclusion, St. John’s Cemetery in Middle Village stands as a significant historical and spiritual site. Its well-maintained grounds and clear regulations ensure a peaceful and respectful environment for remembrance and reflection. By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, visitors contribute to the preservation of this important community landmark.
