In my last post, I included photos from the beautiful Machpelah Cemetery in my hometown of Lexington, Missouri. It is the oldest and largest (and probably the most popular) cemetery in town. But… when I think about a cemetery, or when I’m reading of a fictional graveyard, it is always this beautiful place that ends up being the setting in my mind.
Old Catholic Cemetery, Lexington, Missouri – Founded in 1860
Until this visit it had been over twenty years since I last saw it. It hasn’t changed a bit. I can’t remember what I had for lunch yesterday, but I remember several of the individual headstones like I was just there the day before. Growing up, I spent quite a bit of time here as my grandparents lived nearby. Even when I was a kid I enjoyed a stroll through this cemetery, many times even by myself. I don’t remember my reasons for enjoying my time there so much, but I do recall having general conversations with any spirits wanting to listen. I also recall my Bama (grandma) packing a lunch for me on a few occasions. And yes, inappropriate or not, there were those times I enjoyed a game of hide and seek with friends. I suppose someone living in this neighborhood might disagree with me, but it really is in the middle of nowhere. I think that is part of what makes it so interesting. It is so quiet. Everything surrounded by trees.
I certainly haven’t earned any photography awards with these photos, but I hope you enjoy them. (Also, did I mention it’s my 100th post?!)
Before you orb lovers tell me there is a spirit off in the distance, I must disappoint you and inform you that it is only the moon. 🙂
July 6th, 2012 at 4:46 pm
Congrats on you 100th post! Great pictures! And I didn’t even think the moon could have been an orb, but I can see how others would. Good thing your put that on there!
July 6th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
Thank you, Brandie!
July 7th, 2012 at 9:15 am
Congratulations on your 100th post Patrick! I have enjoyed every one of them. Great pics…I haven’t met a cemetery I didn’t love to explore.
July 7th, 2012 at 3:05 pm
Thank you very much, Diane!
July 7th, 2012 at 11:46 pm
Congratulations on !00 !! I like the last stone with the joined hands: Patrick and Mary! I ask myself what their story might be. The cemetery does appearto be out in the missle of no where.It is a lovely setting. Thanks for the armchair travel.
July 7th, 2012 at 11:48 pm
No problem, Maria. And, that particular headstone is one of them that I specifically remembered. I recognized it as soon as I saw it. 🙂
July 8th, 2012 at 6:08 am
Yeah, this one is interesting. I’ve seen a few like this before and they just up he ante for me in all areas. More peaceful, more interesting, even spookier than the average, more urban variety of graveyard. Thanks for sharing these – hope there will be more to come!
December 26th, 2013 at 10:49 pm
My favorite graveyard!!! I am sure that I was one of the neighborhood kids that played hide and seek with you as children. I would fly kites there, sled down the hill, play “ghost in the graveyard”, and also sit and talk to spirits that would listen. This is a very peaceful place and I have never been scared while being there. My favorite grave there is the one with the concrete poured over the grave. There is also babies that were buried at the bottom of the hill by the trees and road. I would often find myself sitting there next to their grave. I still visit this graveyard with my kids, as I only live up the street now lol Love this neighborhood!!!
December 27th, 2013 at 9:03 pm
I’m sure we did play together. I couldn’t believe how familiar everything was after not seeing it for years. It all rushed back to me. When I was REALLY little, my uncle Jimmy would ride me around there on a four wheeler and there is an audio tape of me talking about it and being obsessed with the pine cones. I spent quite a bit of time there by myself, and that’s weird. I remember specifically playing church using one of the pulpit-like headstones. I also remember thinking how boring, but peaceful it would be to just chill out under your grave stone every day for years. I’ve obviously grown spiritually since then. 😉