Myers Cemetery Preservation Association Events


MYERS CEMETERY DECORATION WEEKEND/ANNUAL MEETING

The annual 2013 Myers Cemetery Decoration is scheduled for the fourth Sunday in May, which coincides with Bethel Baptist Church annual decoration.

Myers Cemetery Preservation Association (MCPA) has also scheduled its annual meeting for Saturday, May 25, 2013 during Decoration weekend. In a previous newsletter we had set a tentative earlier date of May 11th however, the Decoration weekend date of May 25th was chosen as a better date for the yearly meeting. May 25th is more convenient for those coming to the Myers and Bethel Decorations. The meeting will be held at the Townsend Visitor’s Center Pavilion. We hope you will be able to attend. This is an excellent time to share information and receive updates on the work of MCPA.

The annual meeting at the Townsend Visitor’s Center on Saturday, May 25th will begin at 4:00 PM and end around 5:00 PM. A short business meeting will be followed by an opportunity to ask questions and share information. Please bring a lawn chair as seating space limited. You may wish to arrive earlier to decorate and have time to browse through the Townsend Visitor’s Center. Contact Glenn Myers, President of MCPA at 865-223-2477 for more information. You may also email rbyrd 70191@charter.net.
We hope you will be able to join us on.

YOUR EFFORTS AND SUPPORT HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE

Due to your efforts and support, the Myers Cemetery Preservation Association has accomplished a great deal in respect to maintaining the cemetery grounds and restoring and straightening grave markers. These efforts are ongoing as older stones continue to weather and deteriorate.

The MCPA website, created by CCPA webmaster Gloria Motter, has been an excellent resource in making people aware of the 200 year old Myers Cemetery. More visitors are coming to the cemetery due to information they receive online.  Thanks also to the Townsend Visitor’s Center staff for providing information and directing visitors to the historic cemetery.  The cemetery sign and informational kiosk have been valuable assets to the cemetery site. There are approximately 325 gravestones that have been identified. Latest compilation of Myers Cemetery was completed by Robert McGinnis in 2009. Mr. McGinnis has done extensive research and compiled detailed census of historic cemeteries in East Tennessee.
He is also curator of James White Fort in Knoxville.

LOOKING AHEAD

During the coming year, Myers Cemetery Preservation Association, (501-c 3 non profit corporation), plans to continue researching the early history of the Myers Cemetery and identification of lost gravesites.  We invite you to share any family history/old documents/letters that might provide information in those efforts.  We are also interested in any information that may relate to Tuckaleechee Baptist Church (1802-1810) that once stood in the oak grove next to the cemetery.

The kiosk provides a mapping of the Cemetery as well as information relating to individuals laid to rest here between 1795-1959. The two-sided informational board also includes notes on the history of Tuckaleechee Cove, family notes, Military Lists, and information related to the work of Myers Cemetery Preservation Association. Visitors coming to the cemetery are finding the kiosk information helpful as they search for gravesites of family members.  Due to heavy foot traffic around the kiosk, plans are being made to place paver stones on both sides of the structure.

As we visit in Myers Cemetery we are humbled by the faith and courage of those who settled in Tuckaleechee during its early years. Many of those buried in this cemetery died at an early age while others lived to old age. They came to these peaceful coves and established homes, churches, schools, and businesses. They worked hard to provide for their families and care for their neighbors.
MEMBERSHIP: MYERS CEMETERY PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION
If you would like more information on membership in Myers Cemetery Preservation, please email us at rbyrd70191@charter.net or contacting Glenn Myers, President at 8161 Cedar Creek Road in Townsend, Tennessee 37882. Phone (865) 223-2477. Individual membership dues are $10 annually.
Please email rbyrd70191@charter.net if you would like to view a link to Myers Cemetery photos.
That link will be promptly sent out to your email address.

Site © 2011 Gloria Motter, All Rights Reserved For MCPA