Forks Church Cemetery, Inc.

 

 

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New

In spring 2024 Forks Cemetery will erect our very first columbarium to the right of the upper road  entering from Sullivan Trail.  The columbarium will provide secure niches (compartments) for the private storage of cremains (ashes from cremation).  

Niches will be sold on a pre-need basis as well as for immediate need. Pricing will be announced on our website at the time of installation.  In addition to a secure locked compartment, each niche will provide for an external shutter displaying an inscription.  A new sign will be displayed along Sullivan Trail, providing contact information.

See our fly over of the cemeteryAerial fly over

                                                                    New Gazebo

To search Forks Cemetery burials - Go to: Billion Graves.com  -          Winter 2023

and for additional information, visit: www.forkscemeterypa.com and choose the top link on the Links page./ 

  Desirable plot locations are available for sale near the gazebo in our new south section.

Using the Billiongraves.com web site and app, a visitor to the cemetery with an iPhone, iPad or other cellular device, GPS enabled, can now locate a grave site and walk directly to it.  The most recent imagery on Google Earth provides latitude and longitude, as well. Also, see our Section Map glass enclosed display on the wall of the cemetery garage near the office.  We hope to have recently placed tombstones uploaded to view on Billion Graves by the end of 2023.

Benches on cemetery

You may have seen the many attractive benches lining the perimeter of the new section.  These have been placed by families who visit loved ones interred in the cemetery.  Our policy requires that before a bench is placed, you contact a cemetery official and provide an image of the bench you propose and identify the area you wish to place the bench.  Your request will be discussed at a Board of Directors and a prompt response will be forthcoming.  The reason for our policy is to maintain the dignity and aesthetics  of the burial grounds.  All benches approved are to be placed on a substantial flat surface preventing the growth of grass and weeds beneath the bench.  Since our contracted grass mowers trim around only headstones, it is your responsibility to trim around any bench.

What is perpetual Care?

All plots are sold with perpetual care which includes general maintenance such as grass mowing, road maintenance and signage.  It does not include the repair of fallen headstones, sunken grave markers etc.  This maintenance is the responsibility of the plot owner or his/her family.  The cemetery requires the use of an approved cemetery contractor for setting foundations in order to prevent sinking and toppling.  This was not always the rule.  If you become aware of a sunken hole that is not your responsibility, notify us and we will attempt to have the problem resolved.  Depressions are common after a harsh winter.  Sink holes may develop after heavy rains.  Forks Cemetery charges $100 for a permit to have a poured concrete foundation placed for a tombstone or marker.  The fee will be collected from monument dealers or from families who wish to place a monument purchased on the internet.  

Mowing - Early spring cuttings and any substantial amount of rain cause grass to grow rapidly.  Grass clippings must remain on the ground - no disposal methods exist.  While mowed grass can be unsightly, please be patient with criticisms.  Mowing a large cemetery is a huge, and by far our largest,  expense.  Mowing costs have dramatically increased as a result of increased labor rates and fuel surcharges.  Only a portion of the cemetery can be trimmed each week as we have nearly 4,000 monuments.  

Sink holes -   As a consequence of rainy summers recently, various sink holes have opened in a small area of the main cemetery.  The property is on a limestone vein, making matters worse.  As soon as sink holes are noticed, cemetery officials take immediate action.  Recently, thousands of dollars have been spent filling sink holes, some multiple times.  Orange safety fence and traffic cones may have to be displayed in some locations temporarily.  

Policy regarding displays on grave sites -

Permanent monuments or flat markers, only, are permitted.  Temporary markers of the type provided by funeral homes are acceptable up to 180 days following interment.  Out of respect for family visitors and in maintaining the dignity of the burial grounds, under no circumstances do we permit shrines or memorials consisting of personal items, beverage containers, landscaping materials etc.  The mowing contractor will trim the perimeter a headstone or marker.  If permission has been granted for live flowers or placement of anything else, the family must trim and manicure the sight weekly.

What is the policy regarding flowers and plants?

Your deed and the Cemetery Rules board state the policy. In brief, planting of live flowers, shrubs and plants is not permitted without consent of the Board of Directors!  If consent is granted and the planting is not kept neat, manicured and to a reasonable size, it will be removed in deference to the rights of other plot holders.  Approved plantings must be kept tight to the base of a monument and not protrude beyond the dimensions of your plot. Your cooperation and the exercise of good judgment is requested. Grave blankets and appropriate decorations are allowed after the mowing season ends and before the spring cleanup which is typically the Monday preceding Psalm Sunday.

What is an interment?

An interment is the placing of human remains or ashes on a plot in Forks Cemetery, either below ground or above ground.  An above ground interment in a columbarium or a mausoleum that does not require the opening and closing of a grave site will incur a separate interment fee in lieu of an open/close interment fee.  Please inquire for additional information.

May I sell or transfer my plot?

Yes.  Your deed grants you or your assignee burial rights at a specific location in the cemetery.  You may sell or transfer your plot, privately, to another person.  Forks Cemetery cannot buy back your plot.  In a private transaction, Forks Cemetery must first be notified of the pending transfer and a new deed must be issued to the new owner.  We collect a $100.00 deed preparation fee in these instances. It is critical that private sales be reported as our database of plot owners constitutes our member list.  As stated on all deeds, ownership of a plot entitles the owner to a vote at the annual plot holders meeting. If multiple plots are owned, only one vote is granted.

Financial future of cemeteries

How will cemeteries survive financially?  The lifeblood of a cemetery is new plot sales. Only a percentage of each new plot sale may be used to pay current operating expenses such as grass mowing.  The remainder must be invested in a perpetual care fund with only the earnings available for paying current expenses.  A recent trend results in greater than  50% of all deaths electing cremation rather than traditional burial.  It is a fact that many families choosing cremation do not purchase a plot for burial.  In recent years, are annual plot sales have averaged less than 15% of the number of plots sold mere decades ago.

A cemetery greater than 250 years old, such as ours, obviously sold a majority of plots at very low prices.  That, combined with years of low investment yields and ever increasing costs, creates a dilemma and a daily challenge.  The good news is that Forks Church Cemetery has been well managed for many years and remains so today.  We are totally self sustaining with no church, municipal nor state support. All officers and directors serve without compensation devoting hundreds of hours of volunteer time annually.  We are pleased to report that our financial condition is healthy and well positioned for the immediate and long term future.  On the flip side, significantly fewer plot sales, year over year, will lead to fewer burials and lower revenue to meet current operating expenses going forward.  A charitable contribution or bequest is welcomed.

The cemetery is open during daylight hours.  Our disposal area is for cemetery debris, only.  Anyone dumping non-cemetery debris will be prosecuted for illegal dumping.  Forks Cemetery property is patrolled by Forks Township police and randomly monitored by camera.  No hunting is permitted on any cemetery property.  Vehicles are not permitted on cemetery roads unless conducting cemetery business or visiting cemetery.  Other vehicles will be towed if not attended.  Waste baskets are for cemetery related waste.  Please do not use for household garbage.

   Welcome to Forks Church Cemetery, Inc. 

Plot prices - $750 old section (Main cemetery, where available)

Plot prices - $950 new section 

Deed preparation for new plot sale fee is $50.00.

Inquire about payment methods.  Credit cards are accepted and installment payment plans are available upon request.  

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We have been at same location for  more than 250 years.  Located on the west side of Sullivan Trail at the Forks Township/Stockertown Borough line, we have burial sites available in our recently opened section as well as a few in our mature sections.   Reserve yours now.  Our earliest recorded activity dates to 1761.

The cemetery organization is governed by a Board of Directors and corporate officers.  Regular meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month, at 6:30 p.m. in the office on the grounds.   

Keeping the cemetery grounds dignified and well maintained  requires a substantial budget.  Your support through making a current tax deductible contribution or by remembering Forks Church Cemetery, Inc. with a bequest is encouraged.  Correspondence or donations may be sent to the address below.

neilpic2.jpg (120912 bytes)    Neill Werkheiser

As treasurer of Forks Church Cemetery Inc.  for more than five decades,  I would be pleased to discuss with you the various ways you can help us remain financially viable.  Your cash contribution or underwriting of certain capital improvements would be greatly appreciated.

pic1.jpg (549851 bytes)pic2.jpg (507250 bytes)pic3.jpg (583331 bytes)  maus.jpg (523612 bytes) Latest photosP9240056sm.jpg (2315304 bytes)p9240083.jpg (2288975 bytes)p9240060.jpg (2353869 bytes)Aerial photography by Bob Black, photographer & Neill Werkheiser, pilot - - Use Back arrow

Forks Church Cemetery welcomes folks of all denominations.  

Officers:

President - Robert Black 610 252-6506

Secretary - Patricia Steinmetz

Treasurer - Neill Werkheiser 610 253-5420

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Contact Information

While our physical location is Sullivan Trail, Forks Township, PA, you can reach us from anywhere, worldwide, by utilizing the contact information, below.  Let us hear from you.

Telephone
610 253-5420
FAX
1 866 577-3960    Text to: 610 442-3696 
  
Postal address
Forks Church Cemetery Inc., c/o Treas., 1430 Church Lane, Easton, PA 18040 - GPS driving address is 4500 Sullivan Trail, Easton, PA 18040
Electronic mail
General Information: blackfire1@rcn.com

                  or
Treasurer:: nwerkheiser@forkscemetery.com