Historic Lawson Cemetery Repair
Donation protected
http://funds.gofundme.com/LawsonCemetery
Where do you want to be laid to rest? Many people want to be interred somewhere that held special meaning to them during their life after they pass away. Bishop Robert C. Lawson was no different. As an African-American Minister in the early years of the Civil Rights Movement, Bishop Lawson fought for Civil rights. And in 1957, he spoke at the first March on Washington, along with two younger ministers-—Rev. Ralph J. Abernathy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. During this time there were not many places that the pastor and the members of his church could go to relax and escape the city heat. As a result, in the late-1920s Bishop Lawson established the Barger Street Settlement, a popular escape for African-Americans from the New York City area. His Settlement, located in Putnam Valley, New York, remained a popular and peaceful summertime escape for decades, until after the Bishop's death in 1961. When he passed, his Settlement was still a thriving and relaxing place, a place where he decided he wanted his earthly remains to stay for eternity. Unfortunately, the Settlement declined in popularity and by the late-1960s it was largely abandoned. Fifty years later, the Lawson cemetery, which consists of the remains of Bishop Lawson and his wife as well as 34 other members of his church, has been allowed to fall into a sad state of disrepair. This is an important piece of history that is literally disappearring. This is where I come into the picture.
My name is James, and I am a Life Scout. My last rank as a Boy Scout is Eagle Scout. To achieve this rank I must take on a project that has meaning to me. That moves me to make a lasting difference on my community and the world. History and the history of people is where I feel my passion lies. Every human being is important, everyone makes an indelible mark on mankind, and everyone leaves behind something worth remembering. I feel that every human being that walked this earth, no matter their path in life, deserves to be remembered respectfully. The people buried in the Historic Lawson Cemetary chose the spot because it was where they felt peace. For my Eagle Project, I would like to clean up part of the Historic Lawson Cemetery, begin to bring it back to the respectful, peaceful place it should be. I intend to plant grass and install flower beds, and place engraved granite stones with the names of those interred at the cemetery in a memorial garden to make up for the fact that many of the headstones are no longer there. In order to do all of this, I anticipate it to cost about $4,000. Each stone will cost $99, and it would be great if you would like to sponsor a stone. If not, though, smaller donations are appreciated as well. Remember, every little bit helps. Thank you so much, and have a great day!
-James
“Let me live in the house by the side of the road and be a friend to man."
Where do you want to be laid to rest? Many people want to be interred somewhere that held special meaning to them during their life after they pass away. Bishop Robert C. Lawson was no different. As an African-American Minister in the early years of the Civil Rights Movement, Bishop Lawson fought for Civil rights. And in 1957, he spoke at the first March on Washington, along with two younger ministers-—Rev. Ralph J. Abernathy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. During this time there were not many places that the pastor and the members of his church could go to relax and escape the city heat. As a result, in the late-1920s Bishop Lawson established the Barger Street Settlement, a popular escape for African-Americans from the New York City area. His Settlement, located in Putnam Valley, New York, remained a popular and peaceful summertime escape for decades, until after the Bishop's death in 1961. When he passed, his Settlement was still a thriving and relaxing place, a place where he decided he wanted his earthly remains to stay for eternity. Unfortunately, the Settlement declined in popularity and by the late-1960s it was largely abandoned. Fifty years later, the Lawson cemetery, which consists of the remains of Bishop Lawson and his wife as well as 34 other members of his church, has been allowed to fall into a sad state of disrepair. This is an important piece of history that is literally disappearring. This is where I come into the picture.
My name is James, and I am a Life Scout. My last rank as a Boy Scout is Eagle Scout. To achieve this rank I must take on a project that has meaning to me. That moves me to make a lasting difference on my community and the world. History and the history of people is where I feel my passion lies. Every human being is important, everyone makes an indelible mark on mankind, and everyone leaves behind something worth remembering. I feel that every human being that walked this earth, no matter their path in life, deserves to be remembered respectfully. The people buried in the Historic Lawson Cemetary chose the spot because it was where they felt peace. For my Eagle Project, I would like to clean up part of the Historic Lawson Cemetery, begin to bring it back to the respectful, peaceful place it should be. I intend to plant grass and install flower beds, and place engraved granite stones with the names of those interred at the cemetery in a memorial garden to make up for the fact that many of the headstones are no longer there. In order to do all of this, I anticipate it to cost about $4,000. Each stone will cost $99, and it would be great if you would like to sponsor a stone. If not, though, smaller donations are appreciated as well. Remember, every little bit helps. Thank you so much, and have a great day!
-James
“Let me live in the house by the side of the road and be a friend to man."
Organizer
James EagleScout
Organizer
Lake Mohegan, NY