The Newtown Bee’s “Get To Know” series typically features a look at local buildings. This week we focus on St Rose Cemetery, Cherry Street in Sandy Hook.

St Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church’s Monsignor Robert E. Weiss offered information about the cemetery, which he oversees, this week.

In what year was it purchased or established? 1860

Who or what entity owns or oversees the property? St Rose of Lima Church

How many plots are there in total and how many are available? There are approximately 5,000 burial spots divided into 18 sections. Recently the parish developed over 100 new spaces. Because cremation is now allowed by the Church and many individuals are choosing this form of burial, the parish erected a columbarium in 2014 with several hundred niches available.

Does this cemetery contain any structures of note? There are a number of structures that exist thanks to Eagle Scout projects. There is also the columbarium and an altar.

What is one interesting fact about the cemetery? The year 1845 is a significant one in the history of St Rose Parish. In that year the potato crop failed in Ireland. In the famine that followed thousands of Irish died of starvation. It was then that America opened its heart and shores and invited the Irish to migrate to the land of opportunity. The Irish responded in great numbers and many found their way to Newtown. They were the pioneers of the parish and their faith and zeal formed the foundation for the remarkable growth that followed. The first Irish to settle in Newtown was Daniel Quinlivan. He was born in County Clare in 1802 and came to the United States in 1830. He arrived in Newtown and went to work for Captain Joseph Nichols, whose farm was just below Newtown village. After marrying Catherine Daly, also a native of Ireland, Daniel bought a farm in the Hanover district. He worked the farm until his death. The first Irish couple to settle in Newtown were Margaret and Patrick Madigan arriving in 1843. They lived on the Blakesley Place at the upper end of Newtown Street. They raised 16 children. More and more Irish began to arrive working the farms, factories, and businesses. Their names include: Michael Leavy, Peter Leavy, John Bradley, Thomas Bradley, William Farrell, John Farrell, Daniel Connelly, Bernard Donlon, Michael Murphy, John Murphy, William Griffin, John Griffin, Dennis Murray, James Carley, Patrick Cavanaugh, Elizabeth Carley, Thomas Cavanaugh, William Finell, John Finnell, James Egan, Andrew Egan, John Egan, Thomas Griffin, Martin Ready, Lawrence Lillis, and Andrew McGauley.

For many centuries in the history of the Church, Catholics needed to be buried in consecrated or blessed ground. The aging of the early Irish settlers required that an appropriate cemetery be founded. The first pastor of St Rose Parish, Fr Francis Lenihan, recognized the need for a Catholic cemetery to honor these devout Irish Catholics and their families. In 1860, he purchased three acres of land in Sandy Hook for $200 and established the cemetery. The cemetery was consecrated in 1865 by Bishop McFarland. Many of the names listed above are buried in the cemetery. It is a history lesson in itself to walk through the cemetery and read the monuments.

Additional land was purchased as the need for more space became necessary.

What should visitors know? The cemetery is open dawn to dusk.

What is the most common question you are asked about the property and the answer? Can non-Catholics be buried there? Yes, anyone may be buried in our cemetery.

What are the cemetery’s biggest challenges? The cemetery suffered great damage several years ago on Halloween when over 40 headstones were knocked over and planters and statues broken. The police were never able to identify those responsible. This was a horror and a violation of the sacred for those families affected. As a result, a volunteer security team is in place throughout the night on Mischief Night and Halloween. We also have a neighborhood watch in place thanks to our parishioner neighbors.

Maintaining the original graves is a challenge as many of the families whose loved ones are buried in the cemetery no longer live in the area. The parish is constantly working to maintain the dignity and the simplicity of the cemetery as a result.