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Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Tombstone Tuesday: Virgin Gorda Cemetery

Virgin Gorda Cemetery, Church Hill RdVirgin Gorda Cemetery, Church Hill Rd 4
Click for larger images

No relatives here, but this is the Caribbean island where I am spending some vacation. I've been to this island a few times before, and have driven past the church without seeing the cemetery -- I had to find pictures and information online.
During the 19th century, worshippers from nearby St. Thomas (which was Danish at the time) joined the congregation here. In the churchyard, the foundation of an old mission house is visible, as is a very old cemetery. The graves span three centuries. Note the piles of conch shells at the gravesites. Some islanders believe these shells have special powers that drive away evil spirits. The island's only health facility--a clinic--is nearby. -- Source: The Free Library
Maybe I will convince some family members to join me on a little excursion...

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