West Augustine cemetery beautification

Jamie Minton invited Historic City News readers to a special memorial project for those who want to make the 25th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day — “a day on, not a day off”.

Woodlawn, San Sebastian and Pinehurst cemeteries were established as African-American cemeteries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and many notable St. Augustine residents are interred therein.

As part of their participation in the “day on” theme, AmeriCorps St. Johns Reads!, CIS AmeriCorps VISTA, North Florida Health Corps and several other community groups are coming together to beautify these three historic cemeteries in West Augustine.

Minton is asking for volunteers who would like to lend a hand to arrive at Woodlawn Cemetery, located at the corner of North Pearl Street and Bruen Street, at 9:00 a.m. for registration and an opening presentation.

“We will take MLK Day 2011 to honor the memory of these important individuals by beautifying their final resting places,” Minton said.

St. Lukes AME Church on Pearl Street will offer lunch to the participants when the project wraps up at noon.

Volunteers are asked to bring garden tools such as rakes, loppers, shears, and gardening gloves.

“Please dress appropriately for the weather and for landscaping work,” Minton cautioned. “And wear sturdy shoes!”

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photograph by St. Augustine Genealogical Society