Graveyard Symbol Scavenger Hunt

September 30. 2019. Bethel UMC Symbols Scavenger Hunt.

Bethel United Methodist Church has been around for nearly 220 years, and its first location serviced both blacks and whites until 1852 (building was relocated). The building now known as Old Bethel was donated to the black congregation in 1876, which was then moved again across the street to the present building, where both white and black congregations serve Charlestons oldest standing Methodist Church.

*Fun fact: this church was the only church to stay open and continue services during the Civil War!

For more information, go check out their website by clicking here!

1.

1. Weeping Willow: associated with grief, earthly sorrow, mourning. This grave marker is a headstone, and buried here is James F.M. Lord (B. 1825. D. 1862.)

2.

2. Crown in Cross: (AKA Knight Templars Blood-Red Passion Cross and Crown) typically means "victory over death", usually symbolizing the reward in heaven after going through trials in life. This grave marker is a headstone, and buried here is Joseph W. Aincer (B. 1839. D. 1888.)

3. 

3. Dove and flowers: the dove has several different meanings, in this case the dove has something in its mouth which represents peace and that the soul has reached divine peace in heaven. Different flowers have different meanings, and on this grave stone it is unclear the type of flowers. However, when the family created their mothers tombstone, they most likely put flowers on it to symbolize the feminine and beauty of their mother. This grave marker is a headstone, and buried here is Elizabeth M. Aincer (B. 1807. D. 1872.)

4. 

4. Wreath and dove: the wreath symbolize memory and victory over death and the dove flying downward represents the Holy Spirit. This grave marker is a die in socket and buried here is Anna Chrietzberg, wife of Reverend A. M. Chrietzberg (B. 1821. D. 1872.)

5.

5. Slanted Cross: the true meaning behind a slanted cross has not yet been revealed, however there are many working theories:  Some people believe it is significant because of the way Jesus carried his cross during crucifixion. Others say it is because Jesus has laid down his life for ours and that we are to take up the cross and follow him. The meaning as to why the slanted cross is on this grave marker is most likely to symbolize that the person buried here is of the Christian faith. Also write on this grave are the words "rock ages cleft for me", which is a Christian hymn dating back to 1775. This grave marker type is a headstone and buried here is Charles C. Seyle (B. 1823. D. 1880.)

6. 

6. Angel: An angel with open wings is supposed to represent the flight of the soul to heaven. What it looks like the angel is holding is some sort of an instrument, which is meant to symbolize the angel Gabriel. This grave marker is a die on socket and buried here is Rebecca Jane (B. 1856. D. 1875.)

7. 

7. Cloth over grave marker: usually seen where a cloth is draped over an urn, which represents the veil between the living and the dead, or guarding the body (ashes in the case of an urn). This grave marker is a die on socket and buried here is Rosa Mary (B. 1835. D. 1881.)

8. 

8. Lamb: usually marks the grave of a child, the lamb representing innocence. In the Bible, lambs are associated with Jesus, you may hear "the lamb of God" in the Christian faith. This grave marker is a ledger and the grave marker has deteriorated, therefor I am unable to read the person buried here or their birth / death dates. 

9. 

9. Sleeping child: On this grave marker appears to have a sleeping body (child), which usually represents a child's grave. The body is in the horizontal position, or the "sleeping" position, and is barley clothed- covered in a cloth- representing the innocence of the child. This grave marker is a ledger and buried here is Engenia Robia (B. 1859, aged 3 months and 2 weeks.)

10.

10. VERY IMPORTANT: a lot is happening with this gravestone. There is an open book on the top representing 'book of life', 'Bible', or that their 'life' story has paused. There is a wreath on the back of the gravestone, representing victory over death, and then there is another wreath on the front of the gravestone also representing victory over death, but this wreath is more detailed and has flowers on it, which can represent beauty. The type of grave marker is a bedstead, and this size of bedsteads are commonly used for children. Buried here is someone from the "Fleming" family. 

To learn more about the different types of grave markers, I used these three articles: (click on to go to the page) one, two, and three.