Mount Bethel Cemetery’s 150th Anniversary Celebration

The Friends of Mount Bethel Cemetery will have a series of events planned to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the cemetery’s incorporation, April 21, 1868 (even though the first-recorded burials were in 1730). Opening Ceremony will be held April 20 at Columbia United Methodist Church at Fifth and Walnut streets at 7 p.m. and will include a welcome by Board President Jane Moore, music by a community chorus under the direction of Chuck Williams, and the lighting of luminaries throughout the grounds (luminaries may be purchased in honor of or in memory of a loved one). Art and writing activities will take place April 21 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and will feature a variety of activities, including stone resetting, tomb stone rubbings, a public art station that will have pen and ink drawings, painting, photography and other art activities with assistance from local artists. Guided tours of the cemetery will also be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Fete en Noir will be held during the evening of April 21 at Perfect Settings (Second and Locust streets, Columbia). Guests are asked to dress in black and bring their own drinks and refreshments. Tables, chairs, plates, utensils and music will be provided. Janet Wood, owner of Regalia Costumes, and Jasmine Preston will be presenting a fashion show titled “America Mourns”. Enjoy an evening of dancing, camaraderie and entertainment. Tickets are required for Fete en Noir. Closing Ceremonies will take place April 22 at 2 p.m. at the cemetery (In case of inclement weather, the location will be moved to Columbia United Methodist Church at Fifth and Walnut streets). For information about Opening Ceremony, call 717-684-6196. For information and tickets for Fete en Noir, call 717-575-9760.