MOUNT KENTON HISTORY

Mount Kenton Cemetery is approaching its 150th anniversary. The original tract of land that came to be Mount Kenton Cemetery was deeded by Joseph Kenton of New Orleans, Louisiana to the Church of the Old School Presbyterian on July 6, 1857. The transfer called for the land to be used to erect a church, a school or a cemetery. Eventually the trustees opted to use the land for a cemetery.

The management is made up of members of First Presbyterian Church. The operations of the cemetery are overseen by a manager who reports to the Board of Directors. Currently, the board consists of Chairman Robert Worden, Jim Toy, Joe Framptom, Jack Harper, Jim Marvin, and George Wiley. The manager is Elaine Stevens.

The cemetery is located on thirty-five acres along Lone Oak Road. It is a peaceful site amid an ever-expanding urban area. Well-landscaped and maintained, Mount Kenton is the final resting place of many local, state and national political and civic figures. Vice-President Alben Barkley is buried there.


OPERATIONS

Mount Kenton Cemetery is operated by a Board of Directors from the membership of First Presbyterian Church. It is non-denominational and welcomes all faiths.

The manager is Elaine Stevens and office hours are from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. The phone number is 554-1566.

The cemetery consists of fifteen acres that are well-maintained, peaceful and scenic. Burial lots are available
in several areas and in a variety of combinations from two plots up to as many as twelve. The cemetery also
accommodates those who choose cremation. Currently the board is considering a special area to be developed for cremains.

The board invites you to contact the manager if you have any questions.

Chairman Robert Worden's Report - 2/07

It has been 150 years since Joseph Kenton of New Orleans deeded to First Presbyterian Church the 35 acres that we know today as Mt. Kenton Cemetery. Fifteen acres of the property have been developed as burial space and are filling up. The board voted recently to develop a new area, which will provide over 500 additional lots. There are also plans for a new columbarium for cremation urns and expanded mausoleum locations.

In response to such things as rising insurance costs, the board has adjusted its investment policy and the institution is in good financial health.

A celebration is being planned to commemorate the sesquicentennial, which will include a tour of the newly developed area. More on that later.

Sesquicentennial Update

 

As Summer progresses we continue our preparation for the SesquiCentenial in the Fall. Curently the office is under an extensive remodel. The photos show the new roof and also the inside being improved. The new windows and paneling will provide a much needed insulation during the winter and greatly improve the looks. Hopefully, this will help when discussing lot sales with prospective purchasers. The expansion behind the Jewish part is underway. Already several lots have been sold in this new section. You can see that the Columbarium has arrived and the first unit is in place. We will have a dedication service as part of our celebration in the fall. Exact dates will be set upon the completion of both of the above projects.
    Robert Worden