An interesting crypt

We were on a drive, looking for birds. Instead, I spotted this crypt at Bethel Pentecostal Church. There are, they write, 11 bodies buried in here. Their ages are very telling, as we don't realize how far we've come with vaccines, antibiotics and better healthcare.

Smiths Falls Record

The mausoleum was actively in use from 1895 to 1932 when Donald Wood was interned there. From that date to this, the mausoleum site has remained largely forgotten with the exception of one period in the mid-1980s when D. Joynt, Mr. Harris and Dr. Nichol, who at the time was a member of the Smiths Falls heritage committee, wrote a map by hand showing some of the plots.

There are two panels on wither side, honouring those who have departed this earthly clime.


It reads:
In memory of Alexander Wood (Aug. 16, 1823 – Jan. 27, 1895). Wife, Heniretta Baird (1823  – 1866) age 43.
Mary (5 years, 6 mos. 1853)
John (1853 3 years, 5 mos.)
James (1859, 4 years 6 mos.)
Donald (1861, 2 years 5 mos.)
George (1862, 1 year)
William (1902, 56 years)
Stephen (1908, 55 years)



This one reads: In memory of Alexander McIntosh, son of William A. Wood. 1882, 19 mos.
Henrietta, daughter of William and Mary Wood, 1904.
Mary Wood 1839 - 1933.

The metal door is interesting. I managed to grab a photo of inside, as it was locked.