Gaining Access to the Cemetery

— by Rick Pyburn

Prior to purchasing the Gingles Cemetery, I had to know that I would be able to gain access to restore it. You see, the cemetery is surrounded by private property and I know we need a road to restore the grounds. Currently, the only access is by foot along the tree line of a neighboring property. In the past some of the bordering neighbors allowed people to drive across their fields to the cemetery after harvest. But I feel the cemetery needs year-around access to properly take care of it.

I started with Google Earth and began looking at possible locations for a road that would have minimal impact on the neighboring properties. I chose a route that I thought would work and I contacted the owners of the two properties that are adjacent to the cemetery.

Both neighbors agreed to the plan. So, with that permission in hand, I went ahead with the purchase of the cemetery.

The road will be approximately 1400 feet in length and have an elevation gain of 50 feet. It will avoid the cultivated fields and be nearly accessible year-round.  I say nearly accessible, because in the beginning it will only be a dirt road. As money becomes available it will eventually be graveled.