News and Events

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, events at Cedar Grove Cemetery are suspended until further notice. Please check back from time to time to see future event announcements.

NEWS

The Rural Cemetery Movement and Cedar Grove Cemetery

In the mid-nineteenth century the rural cemetery movement began in the United States and Europe. Stemming from overcrowding and health concerns associated with urban cemeteries, the rural cemetery movement pushed for cemeteries to be moved 1 - 5 miles away from city...

New Water Tables!

Cedar Grove Cemetery is always looking for new ways to support those who come to keep their loved ones' memorials cared for and tended. We are happy to announce that we have built new work tables at water stations throughout the grounds. These tables will provide a...

Memorial Day 2022

There will not be a mass or parade at Cedar Grove Cemetery on Memorial Day this year.

Spring Cleanup Announcement

Work on the cemetery grounds in preparation for the spring cleanup has started. Please be advised that ALL items such as Christmas ornaments, artificial flowers, knick-knacks, or decorations NOT listed in the General Rules and Regulations will be removed and will not...

Cedar Grove Still Boasts Old-Time Charm

This article first appeared in the Dorchester Argus-Citizen, May 10, 1990 By Anthony Sammarco, Argus-Citizen Correspondent The Cedar Grove section of Dorchester represents what is commonly known as “New Dorchester,” as opposed to the northern area of the town. To...

EVENTS

Restoring Marble Headstones to Return this Spring

After great success and popularity this fall, we're excited to announce that we'll be bringing back the marble headstone restoration program this spring! Stay tuned for details and dates.

Learn to Restore Marble Headstones!

Our cemetery superintendent, Sid Sibley, has been hard at work preserving some of our marble headstones in the Meins Lot, which has not only one of the largest monuments in the cemetery, but also several smaller family stones. Starting on August 3, he applied a...

Special Annual Events

MEMORIAL SERVICES

For more than twenty-five years, the Friends of Cedar Grove Cemetery has sponsored memorial masses. These masses are held on the Sundays before Memorial Day and Christmas at 11:00 am, in memory of all who rest with us. Held in our seventy-five-year-old Gilman Chapel, the services attract more than two hundred people. Attendees participate in the Mass, and then enjoy light refreshments in the office, or weather permitting, on the grounds adjacent to the Chapel. Flowers may be brought to decorate the altar, in memory of our loved ones, and are then returned to the family after the service.

We feature a one-half hour guided tour of different sections of the Cemetery following these services. We hope to continue this practice, and to expand it in the future.

VETERANS MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES

On Memorial Day of each year, for more than fifty years, exercises are held to honor all deceased military men and women, and support our active troops. The seven Dorchester AMVETS, VFW, and AMERICAN LEGION Posts parade into the Cemetery in full formation. They place memorial wreaths, play taps, fire a 21-gun salute and listen to patriotic music. Many high-ranking political and military leaders have been featured speakers at this event. Hundreds of people participate in the ceremonies.