| CMC Heritage Project at Randolph |
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| Monday, May 10 2010 01:24 |
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In the 1870's Mennonites, known as Die Mennonitische Gemeinde zu Chortitz, came to Canada from Russia and landed at the junction of the Red and Rat Rivers (near present day Ste. Agathe). From there, they journeyed east and built their first church at Chortitz (present day Randolph) and established a cemetery where today, over 400 people are buried. Interest has been expressed in restoring the cemetery and preserving it as a heritage site. In the same way as the Israelites took stones from the riverbed to recall the crossing of the Jordan into the promised land for future generations, this cemetery is a reminder to many of their spiritual heritage. In October 2009, the CMC Ministerial approved its designation as a Heritage Cemetery. The project will include the restoration of the existing grave sites, the placing of a memorial stone, as well as an entrance gate. One of the first tasks is to level the ground, pour concrete strips where the memorial stones can be placed upon, so that they will not shift. A special fund has been set up by the Cemetery Committee of the Chortitzer Mennonite Conference. The project will proceed as funds are made available. All donations to this project must be designated specifically for the Randolph Heritage Cemetery. The estimated cost for this project will be around $16,000. Questions and donations may be directed the CMC office, where they will redirected to the committee. Cheques should be made out to the Chortitzer Mennonite Conference and marked for the Heritage Cemetery. Tax receipts will be issued. |
