Current and Recent Funerals 2019

Thursday, December 4, 2014

BOOK SIGNING AT MAGNOLIA CEMETERY

Christmas is just around the corner. If you are still undecided about what to give let me recommend a perfectly awesome gift weather it is for a family member, friend, professional colleague, boss or client, a book about my favorite place Magnolia Cemetery.

Professor Patrick Harwood will be at Magnolia Cemetery December 20, 2014 from 10:00 AM until 12 noon to sell and sign his new book "IN THE ARMS OF ANGELS."  The book beautifully illustrated with pictures taken by Professor Harwood himself will take you on a journey through Charleston’s treasure of history, mystery and artistry.  I feel his book would be a wonderful addition to anyone's personal library.  So, drop by the cemetery and purchase that Christmas gift without standing in line and searching for a parking place. 


Monday, November 24, 2014

CHRISTMAS WREATHS



         We would remind those of you who use our Christmas Wreath service to please try and have your order in by December 10, 2014. If you are not familiar with our wreath program we will make and place a live wreath with a finished diameter of approximately 20 inches. This includes a red bow and some live embellishments for $30. Those of you who have prepaid for the year will not have to reorder for Christmas 2014 but should renew for the 2015 holidays. Flowers can be place on your loved ones grave on Birthdays, Mother’s and Father’s Day, Easter and Christmas. Please contact the office for details or email magnoliacemetery@aol.com.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

THE TWENTY~THIRD CONFEDERATE GHOST WALK





The 23rd Annual Confederate Ghost Walk was a great success.

Accolades go out to The Confederate Heritage Trust and the re-enactors for their continued dedication to this annual event. Those attending the event offered many words of praise when exiting. Click here https://flic.kr/s/aHsk5iCuXj to view other scenes from this exciting night. Photography by David Archer. We thank David for a job well done. 

The Confederate Ghost Walk is held Friday and Saturday, the second weekend of October, annually. Each scenario depicts a day in the life of someone buried at Magnolia Cemetery. Each scene has been researched for historic accuracy. However, for the sake of entertainment some humor and fiction have been added. If you have not attended I highly recommend that you plan to come next year. Tickets go on sale around the first of September each year.      

The exceptional teamwork performed by everyone involved did not go unnoticed. I applaud the cemetery staff and volunteers for a job well done. This event would not happen without your hard work?

Last but not lest I would like to thank all that attended the Ghost Walk and Patrick Harwood's Book Signing. Thank you for supporting us year after year without your contributions we would not be able to maintain this beautiful historic cemetery in the manner it should be.

                                         TILL NEXT YEAR


Tuesday, September 30, 2014

BOOK SIGNING PLUS AN EXCITING TOUR


I hope you have purchased your tickets for the Confederate Ghost walk. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a walk through history and learn about the events leading up to the Sesquicentennal of the War Between-the-States. 


College of Charleston Professor Patrick Harwood will be on hand to sell and sign his new book "IN THE ARMS OF ANGELS."  Reading my copy has taken me on an exciting trip through the history and mysteries of a place I have enjoyed working for thirty-two years. I feel his book would be a wonderful addition to anyone's personal library. Professor Harwood will be at Magnolia Cemetery October 10 and 11, 2014 from 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM. 


Be sure to bring cash or check so you can purchase this book and take home a bit of history that you have experienced first-hand.

TO PURCHASE TICKETS for the Ghost Walk CLICK HERE www.csatrust.org   and go to the home page.

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Cemetery Reveals Links to Sesquicentennial History

The 23rd  Annual Confederate Ghost Walk to be held October 10-11, 2014.  

Once again the night will come alive with the history of the past presented by re-enactors in period attire revealing a day in the life of some of those buried at Magnolia Cemetery.



You will be guided by candlelight thru the resting place of those who lived and died during those hard times 150 years ago. All scenarios are historically researched for accuracy.



Things you need to know:

·       Tours leave every 30 minutes beginning at 7:00 p.m. the last tour leaving at 10:00 p.m. Each tour last for approximately 1 ½ hours.

·       Tickets must be purchased in advance for a specified tour. All tickets are $18.00 each.

·       No flashlights, cameras or video equipment allowed.

·       Tours are not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
Magnolia Cemetery is located at 70 Cunnington Avenue, Charleston, S. C.
The event will go on RAIN OR SHINE. 

TO PURCHASE TICKETS CLICK HERE www.csatrust.org   and go to the home page.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

2014 SOUTH CAROLINA HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS


    We here at Magnolia are truly honored to have been included with the recipients of the Historic Preservation Awards presented by S.C. Gov. Nikki R. Haley. Pictured above from left are Beverly M. Donald, Superintendent, Magnolia Cemetery; Gov..Haley; Robert Gurley, Director of Advocacy, Preservation Society of Charleston; and Craig Bennett, Jr., Bennett Preservation Engineering.
  
    Thanks and gratitude go to the PreservationSociety of Charleston for including the Magnolia Cemetery Receiving Tomb on its “Seven to Save” project, Craig Bennett, Jr. with the Bennett Preservation Engineering PC for his expert contributions to the project, and the family of Ted Ashton Phillips, Jr. for graciously making this project happen.

    On June 11, 2014 at the State House, the Preservation Society of Charleston, Bennett Engineering PC and Magnolia Cemetery Trust all received the Honor Award for Historic Preservation. The South Carolina Historic Preservation Awards in partnership with the PalmettoTrust for Historic Preservation and the South Carolina Department of Archives and History present this Historic Preservation Award in recognition of exceptional accomplishments in the preservation, rehabilitation, and interpretation of South Carolina’s architectural and cultural and heritage.

    The Board of Trustees for Magnolia Cemetery Trust extends gratitude to each of the entities for all their involvement, hard work and interest in Magnolia Cemetery and look forward to working with you all in the future.   

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

CHARLESTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY HOSTED AN AWARD CEREMONY


On behalf of the board of trustees of Magnolia Cemetery, I would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to first Alys Anne Wiedeke for nominating our grand oak tree in the non-profit category. We thank  the Charleston Horticultural Society and the Tree committee for recognizing and appreciating the "Grandfather Oak" (a name we here at Magnolia gave it) and our efforts to maintain not only the health of the Grand Oak but all the trees at our cherished Magnolia Cemetery.

Last but not least we thank and give credit to our lot holders, families and friends who year after year generously donate to the Magnolia Cemetery Trust Memorial Fund. Without their donations we would be hard pushed to keep our trees healthy and maintained.

Pictured below are Beverly Donald, Superintendent, Park Smith, Trustee for Magnolia and Ayls Anne Wiedeke who nominated our tree. Also in attendance from Magnolia Cemetery was Marcia Beczynski.  We here at Magnolia consider this to be a great honor.




GREAT TURN OUT FOR BOOK SIGNING


Saturday's book signing. "IN THE ARMS OF ANGEL" by Patrick Harwood proved to be a great success.Everyone that came out had a great time and various stories to share.

I was surprised how many of the visitors were under the impression that Magnolia Cemetery was no longer selling grave spaces. We are a full service cemetery offering ground space and mausoleum spaces for full casket and niches for cremated remains.

If you missed Saturday's book signing here at Magnolia Cemetery don't fret because Professor Harwood will have his second signing at the College of Charleston's Cougar Mall from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.Thursday, April 17, 2014.


Monday, April 7, 2014

WITH EASTER COMES GLORIOUS COLOR


As we quickly approach Easter, we have only to look around the cemetery to witness the glory of the the magnificence rebirth of color as the camellias and azaleas peak with blooms. If you haven't been out to see GOD'S beautiful work of art here at the cemetery we encourage you to do so quickly as the blooms do not last for long. If you make it to Magnolia this Saturday April 12, 2012 between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. you will be in for a treat. Professor Harwood will be signing his new book "IN THE ARMS OF ANGELS MAGNOLIA CEMETERY Charleston's treasure of History, Mystery and Artistry."

We are once again offering to place Easter lilies on the grave of your loved ones for the cost of $20.00 per plant. If you haven't made arrangements with the office for this service please do so before April 16, 2014 by contacting us here at the office.




Friday, April 4, 2014

MAGNOLIA'S OAK TREE RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS HORTICULTURE AWARD

Magnolia's landmark oak tree has captured  the attention of the Charleston Horticultural Society. Annually the tree committee of the CHS presents numerous awards to trees in the city of Charleston. This year the grand oak at Magnolia was nominated and won in the non-profit category.

The old oak tree has a circumference of 25 feet and a bough spread of 117 feet. Its height is 60 feet plus. I talked to P. O. Mead of Mead's Tree Service about the age of the tree. He feels safe with 800 plus years. I have a postcard that was published in 1898 and postmarked 1908 on which the publisher states the age as 800 years old. If we add an additional 116 years to the date of 1898 we get an age of 916 years old.

I looked up information about a dinner party held at Col.Willliam Cunnington's house (now the office) here at "Magnolia Umbria." This party was in honor of a visit from Gen. George Washington to his intimate friend Col. William Cunnington. I'm almost sad to report that it was held under the magnificent "Magnolia" from which the whole Cunnington estate was named. However, I feel sure it was one of the old magnolias that was lost due to Hurricane Hugo located by the plantation house and the old oak tree. I feel sure George would have ventured to stroll beneath the branches of such a magnificent oak tree.

In 1989, during Hurricane Hugo, an eighth of the tree that spread across the now paved road to the west was lost. Due to the quick response and diligence of  Mead's Tree Service unfamiliar on-lookers would not be the wiser as to the missing branches. The tree recuperated from its damage with no problems.
Seen below is an old picture of the oak tree dated "Snow Storm of 1898" by Clarke studio and another that I took just this week. 

If you have never had the pleasure of seeing the "grandfather oak" as we here at Magnolia call it please take the time to come by and visit.

                                 
Note the branches are not touching the ground in this 1898 photograph
                                       
The Grandfather Oak as seen today

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

DAVID HUGUENIN MAYBANK



With regret I inform you of the death of long time Board Member David Huguenin Maybank. David came on the Board of Trustees November 7, 1988 and remained a Trustee until his death March 24, 2014.


His  contributions to Magnolia Cemetery in time, energy and advice will long be remembered, and the impact of his stewardship will always be felt. His gentle counseling and guidance has helped put into place many helpful programs and projects here at Magnolia. I will miss his positive outlook and smiling face immensely.


David's funeral will be held at St Phillip's Episcopal Church at 2:00 PM tomorrow March 26, 2014 with burial at Magnolia Cemetery.





Tuesday, March 4, 2014

IN THE ARMS OF ANGELS ~ BOOK SIGNING

I am pleased and excited to announce the completion of College of Charleston Professor Patrick Harwood's new book "IN THE ARMS OF ANGELS."  I have had the pleasure of reviewing the draft and feel it would be a wonderful addition to anyone's personal library. Professor Harwood will be at Magnolia Cemetery April 12, 2014 from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM. See the flyer below for detailed information. 


Thursday, January 30, 2014

A WINTERY SCENE AT MAGNOLIA CEMETERY


I hope the decision not to open the gates Wednesday did not inconvenience anyone. Magnolia’s staff was not required to come to work due to the dangerous condition causing the closing of roadways and bridges throughout the city. The cemetery is now open to the public. When I arrived at the cemetery this morning the beauty created by the storm took my breath away. Everything glistened and sparkled like crystal as if fairy dust had been sprinkled over the entire cemetery. However, as beautiful as the scene may seem, some element of danger still exist. We ask that you use extreme caution while navigating the roadways, paths and the bridge within the cemetery until the ice that is breaking limbs and causing slippery conditions melts away. It will take us a few days to clean away all the debris throughout the cemetery.
We have not notice any damage to monuments or structures caused by this storm. If you notice any damage to your property that may be attributed to this storm please contact the cemetery office.