Friends of Rector-Gard Cemetery

05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten.

As we spend time with family and friends this Memorial Day, may we also take a moment to reflect on those who gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy each day. 🇺🇸

🎙️: Holly McKellopp
🎥: Sandi Arnold
🇺🇸: 2026 Terre Haute Memorial Day Ceremony

05/23/2026

05/21/2026

Rector-Gard Cemetery Check-In:

Where are you seeing this post from? Let us know in the comments! 👋

Over the past few months, we’ve received messages and support from people across the country. Many have taken an interest in the work being done at Rector-Gard Cemetery for different reasons. Some are following along because of family connections, appreciation for our veterans, a love for local history, or simply a desire to see these stories preserved for future generations.

It’s been amazing to see how far the reach of our collective efforts has spread. Thank you for following along and supporting the mission of honoring and preserving this historic cemetery.

05/21/2026

To the Friends of Rector-Gard Cemetery:

I likely will not be able to work in the cemetery this week due to two kidney stones that are causing significant pain. I am working to address the situation as quickly as possible.

Anyone who would like to help work in the cemetery this week is welcome to do so. Please do not work alone, and let me know beforehand so I can inform Mr. Berner. Also, please be respectful of the surrounding crops.

The Terre Haute Memorial Day Parade will take place this Sunday, May 24, at 2:00 PM. Thanks to Neal Stevens and Samantha Noble, the Revolutionary War veterans buried at Rector-Gard Cemetery will be recognized during the parade. Children from the Terre Haute area will carry signs displaying the names of these veterans. In addition, either Holly McKellop or I will share a few words about Rector-Gard Cemetery and its Revolutionary War veterans during the Memorial Day ceremony. 🇺🇸

- John Zerkle

05/19/2026

Through the thoughtful efforts of Neil Stevens, American flags have been placed beside the graves of all American Revolutionary War veterans resting at Rector-Gard Cemetery, honoring their service and sacrifice. 🇺🇸

📸: Photo taken during an April work day in Rector-Gard Cemetery (flags had not been placed yet).

05/12/2026

Saturday, May 9th was a day of major accomplishments at the cemetery! What an incredible work day, and we are so thankful for everyone who came out to help.

Some huge progress was made:
✅ A new approximately 5-foot-wide “no honeysuckle stump path” was established the full length (and even a little beyond) of the cemetery
✅ ALL honeysuckle is now down within the cemetery boundaries — the first time this century!
✅ Several fallen trees were cut into sections and stacked
✅ Brush, limbs, and debris were gathered into piles for removal

A huge thank you to all of Saturday’s workers:
Barn Bratz 4-H Club
Holly McKellop
Addesynn McKellop
Aubrie Johnson
Susan Evans
Dakota McKellop
Ray Krebehenne
Neil Stevens
Connie Crocker
Marvin Edwards
Ethan Edwards

📅 Next up: Rector-Gard Work Session
Wednesday, May 13 at 2:00 PM

Thank you all for your continued commitment to preserving and improving this special place!

05/06/2026

RECTOR-GARD CEMETERY WORK SESSION

As a reminder our next cemetery work session is this Saturday from 9:00 AM until at least 12:00 PM (weather permitting). We’d greatly appreciate any help as we continue caring for and maintaining the Rector-Gard Cemetery grounds.

A few important notes:
• There are no restroom facilities available on-site
• Please carpool if possible

A special thank you to Mike Mahan and Neil Stevens for their hard work during last Thursday’s work session. Your time and effort are greatly appreciated!

We hope to see many helping hands this Saturday.

04/28/2026

Rector-Gard Cemetery Clean-Up

Weather permitting, we are planning to meet Thursday, April 30 at 2:00 PM to continue cleaning and restoring Rector-Gard Cemetery.

We will also have another work session on Saturday, May 9 from 9:00 AM to at least 12:00 PM.

As this growing group works together to restore this important piece of local history, please keep a couple things in mind:
- Walk along Storms Creek as you make your way to the cemetery. We want to protect the crops that have been planted.
- Use caution when parking along SR 560/Upper Valley Pike.

We encourage everyone to use the map created by Holly McKellop to help navigate the area.

Thank you to everyone who continues to give their time and effort to preserving this meaningful place. We hope to see you at one of the upcoming restoration days!

04/23/2026

We’d like to extend a special thank you to today’s (Wednesday, April 22) volunteers: Connie Crocker, John Bishop, Holly McKellop, Neal Stevens, and Mike Mahan. Your hard work continues to make a difference at Rector-Gard Cemetery.

We’re also grateful for the generosity of Marcia Ward, Jenny (Faulkner) Greenlee, and an anonymous community member for donating a beautiful cross. It has been placed in the area where the Rector Chapel once stood, serving as a meaningful tribute to the cemetery’s history.

Upcoming Work Session:
Join us on Saturday, May 9 from 9:00 AM to at least 12:00 noon as we continue our efforts to care for and preserve the cemetery. Any and all help is appreciated!

04/20/2026

We’ll be working at Rector-Gard Cemetery this Wednesday at 2:00 PM. Volunteers are welcome, and chainsaws and rakes would be especially helpful.

Please use caution when walking near the creek. Hope to see you there!

- John Zerkle