EAST RESERVE
For years I glimpsed this cemetery from the windows of the school bus, but never walked through it until the summer of 2019. And then, recently, I realized I neglected to post about it at all. Today’s the day!
Back in my school days, this was the cemetery associated with the Rosengard CMC Church. Today, a different church occupies the building and I cannot recall their name.
On findagrave.com, it says many Mennonite pioneers are buried here. I suppose that could be true, but I think the first Mennonites who settled in this area are buried in the unmarked cemetery on private land, which I had the privilege of visiting earlier this year.
But, on the Manitoba Historical Society website, it’s noted the earliest burial here is that of Elizabeth Dueck in 1894. It’s likely she was among the first Mennonites here… probably. I have not observed her stone.
Find A Grave notes that Peter Unger is said to be buried near this oak tree. There are a great many Peter Ungers who have come and gone in this region so I’m not sure if there’s a way of knowing which Peter Unger this is referring to. But I will say that I suspect that oak tree is a descendent of the Great Oak of Choritiza. After all, it was planted in a Chortitzer cemetery… and after I had learned that the oak in the cemetery at Chortitz (Randolph) is from the Great Oak, I think it’s safe to say this tree is a sibling.
Some graves are marked with just a flat field stone.
I believe this row of wooden stakes with crosses on them is unique for the East Reserve. I don’t think any other cemeteries have such grave markers.
Next to the cemetery, on private property, there is a mysterious old building. When I was a girl, this building had no trees around it. From my perch next to the window on the school bus, I could see it clearly. Many decades later, it looks like the building is hidden in a forest!
This building is actually linked with Blumengart (ER). The Historical Atlas of the East Reserve states that it was built in 1902 to be used as a private school in the village, and that the Chortitzer church of Blumengart also met in this building. It was moved here to Rosengard in 1946 where it became the first Chortitzer (CMC) Church of Rosengard. I’m happy it can retire nestled among the trees.
Related posts: