08/13/2026
The Conservation of the Christopher Denroche Marker
In a landscape of replent of igneous and metaphoric markers, there is one unique Quercus Alba memorial for Christopher Denroche, rector from 1892 to 1906.
This white oak marker is unique today but in the early days of St Paul’s Churchyard, many graves were marked with wood memorials in the crucifix form as there was no local source of building stone. Marble and sandstone markers were shipped in as early as 1740s and granite markers after 1860s.
Over time the Denroche marker succumbed to deterioration and now requires replacement. The Churchyard Committee is working with Billy Hollingsworth, a Chestertown master craftsman on the reconstruction of the marker using Quercus Alba - white oak.
Thank you to Chip Lausman for prioritizing this marker and advocating for its restoration.