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| Video: Martinsburg Historical Society Holds Ceremony to Honor Civil War Veterans at Maple Ridge Cemetery October 05, 2019 05:45 p.m. By: Nick Altmire |
afternoon at the Maple Ridge Cemetery, also the site of the former St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church on Maple Ridge in the Town of Matinsburg. The Martinsburg Historical Society started a restoration project at the site in 2016. The St. Patrick's church was completed in 1860, atop one of the highest points of the Tug Hill, and was large enough to seat 400 worshipers. At the time, the location was home to a large community of Irish immigrants. By 1873 the church had 312 members, according to information provided by the Martinsburg Historical Society. By the mid 1920s, the ethnic population on Maple Ridge was changing, with the Irish population dwindling and people of Polish descent moving into the area. After that point, people began moving away from "the ridge" to places where everyday living was easier, according to historians. With attendance on the decline, the church was closed in 1941 and sold at auction in 1944. All that remains of the church today are the steps and portions of the iron fence. The tabernacle from the original church, found in a field in the 1970s, is currently in possession of the Lewis County Historical Society and was on display this afternoon. Through the generosity of the Pomeroy Foundation in Syracuse, a road sign was unveiled today designating the site of the church. Burials at the Maple Ridge Cemetery began in 1861, shortly after the church was completed. The last burial was in 1943, until a special request was made by the family of Sgt. Patrick O'Brien, a veteran of World War II. It was his desire to be buried at Maple Ridge and his wish was honored in 1995. Maple Ridge Cemetery is the final resting place for a number of Civil War soldiers, recognized at today's ceremony, including:
Dennis Dunn- 5th New York Heavy Artillery John Lynch, Jr.- 5th New York Heavy Artillery James McGrath- 5th New York Heavy Artillery Thomas Purcell- 97th New York Infantry John P. Smithling- 5th New York Heavy Artillery Michael Sullivan- 5th New York Heavy Artillery Full video from today's ceremony is included below. The ceremony starts with the Posting of the Colors by American Legion Post 162 and Marine Corps League 754; followed by a Salute to the American Flag; National Anthem; Invocation; Wreaths of Honor placed at the graves of the Civil War Soldiers; A Roll Call and Gun Salute; Benediction; and concluding with the unveiling of the sign. |
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