Episcopal Burying Ground and Chapel (Lexington, Kentucky) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Episcopal Burying Ground and Chapel
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 Location in Kentucky
Location in the United States
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| Location | 251 E. 3rd St., Lexington, Kentucky |
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1832, 1867 |
| Built by | G.D. Wilgus |
| Architect | John McMurtry |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival, Carpenter's Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000869 |
| Added to NRHP | June 24, 1976 |
The Episcopal Burying Ground and Chapel is a historic place in Lexington, Kentucky. It is also known as the Old Episcopal Burying Ground (OEBG). This special cemetery and its small chapel are found at 251 East Third Street.
The land for the burying ground was bought in 1832. It was purchased by Christ Church to be a burial place for its members. The cemetery became very important in 1833. This was during a time when many people got sick from a disease called cholera. Sadly, about one-third of the church's members died during this time. Many were buried here.
Contents
The Chapel
The burying ground also has a small chapel. This chapel was built around 1867. People believe that John McMurtry designed it. He was a famous architect from Lexington. The chapel is built in a style called Carpenter Gothic. This means it looks like a Gothic church but is made with wood. Later, this small chapel was used as a home for the cemetery caretaker, called a sexton.
A Place of History
In 1976, the Episcopal Burying Ground and the old chapel were added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized as important historical sites in the United States. It helps protect them for future generations.
Important People Buried Here
The Old Episcopal Burying Ground is home to many historical figures. One very important person buried here is Reverend London Ferrill. He was a former enslaved man. He came to Kentucky in 1811.
Reverend London Ferrill's Story
In 1821, London Ferrill became a minister. He was ordained by the Elkhorn Baptist Association. Reverend Ferrill served the Black community in Lexington. He led the First African Church. This church is now known as the First African Baptist Church.
The First African Baptist Church was started by Reverend Peter Durrett. He was also known as "Uncle Peter." Reverend Durrett was an enslaved man of Reverend Joseph Craig. He came to Kentucky in 1781. He traveled with other Baptist members from The Travelling Church. They came from Upper Spotsylvania, Virginia.
Visiting the Burying Ground
The cemetery is not usually open to the public every day. However, you can arrange special private tours. You need to make an appointment to visit.
See also
- List of Registered Historic Places in Kentucky (Fayette County to Hopkins County)
Additional sources
- The Advocate, The Diocese of Lexington, Summer 2008, p. 5
- Barr, Frances Swinford Keller and James D. Birchfield. Old Episcopal Burying Ground, Heritage Books, 2002; reprinted 2006.
