UPDATE:  THIS CEMETERY PROJECT IS CANCELLED

The Paxton Presbyterian Church would like to be more involved with this project, but it was requested to have some more time to review and prepare.  Harris Ferry will postpone this project for later this year or sometime next.  I appreciate your understanding and apologies on any inconveniences!  –  J. Lemon

Compatriots!  With the success of our recent grave cleaning at Old Hanover, I figured we could do the exact same thing again!  This time the project will be at Paxton Presbyterian Churchyard in Harrisburg, the resting place for another large number of American Revolution Patriots.  Included in these hollowed grounds is John Harris Jr., to whom our chapter is named after.

Paxton Presbyterian Churchyard is the site of Harris Ferry Chapter’s Wreaths Across America campaign, so it only makes sense for us to help spruce that cemetery up more than it already has been by the church.  Criteria for the project will be exactly like before, but for those who didn’t get to attend before and would like the info, please see the following.

What will we be doing?

1. The plan is to clean as many tombstones as possible, with a focus on the veteran tombstones first (Patriot stones and those of later wars).  Depending on the number of volunteers in attendance, that may be easily achieved and we can focus on other stones after.

What can YOU do to contribute?

1. If you wish to volunteer to clean and help on the stones, by all means grab a pair of gloves and we’ll put you to work!
2. If you wish to simply watch and learn and hang out, that is more than welcomed.  A lot of people like to learn about the process and some history along the way, especially if they’re unable to physically contribute.
3. If someone has a tent we could set up that would be great.  We didn’t need it last time, but it doesn’t hurt to have in case we want to set it up for those that want coverage.
4. If you wish to make any sort of financial contribution toward supplies or to the chapter, that is always extremely appreciated.  Contact me regarding this please.
5. RSVP to me ASAP if you wish to come, that is what I TRULY need from you so I can coordinate this effectively.

Miscellaneous

• Date/Time:  Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 10am to whenever we decide as a group to hang it up.  Last time we cleaned about 50 stones and placed flags in two hours.
• Location:  3500 Sharon St, Harrisburg, PA 17111
• Parking:  The church has a substantially large parking lot that should accommodate us all.
• Who is invited?:  Anyone and everyone!  Bring the kids and grandkids, other SAR/DAR/CAR members, your neighbors, all are welcome!  (Just update me on who is confirmed coming, I’ll  need a headcount.)
• Things to bring:  comfortable/working clothes, gloves/hat/sunglasses, sun screen, foldable chair, umbrella (to shield the sun even).  Being September, we should hopefully out of the obnoxiously hot weather.
• Things not to bring:  pets, SAR medals or regalia, fancy clothes (you’re going to get dirty if you’re volunteering)
• Refreshments:  water will be available as well as light refreshments.

That should be about everything, I’ll update this as I get more things hammered out.  Please check this posting on the website for these updates.  That link is:  https://harrisferrysar.org/event/cemetery-preservation-project-paxton-presbyterian-churchyard/.

This project is meant to be fun, constructive, educational, and historical.  Your cooperation and assistance is invaluable.

Contact me if you are volunteering, wish to attend as a bystander, wish to donate, wish to bring things to help out (tents, chairs, water, food, etc), or if you have any questions at all.  You can reach me at the following email or phone number.  If you call me, please leave a message and I’ll return your call (weeds out the spam calls we all get).  You may also text.

• email:  [email protected]
• phone:  (717) 507-5364

Thank You!  –  Jacob R. Lemon, President, Harris Ferry Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution

Miscellaneous Links

• Find a Grave for Paxton Presbyterian Churchyard