Saltash Baptist churchyard, which may become part of the town's new heritage trail, is currently being refurbished.
Work is in progress to tidy the area by moving curbstones of graves, and graves which are very old, to other areas in the churchyard. It is hoped the heritage trail will allow visitors to see graves of special historic interest.
Minister, Rev Jeff Howden, conducted a special service when the work began, and it has been stressed that the 'tidy-up', and the moving of graves is being treated with respect. Families who have graves in the churchyard have been contacted, and all necessary permission has been obtained for the 'tidy up'. It is proposed that there will be a grass area which can be used for special religious purposes in connection with the Baptist church, and which will not be let out for any other use.
Ancient graves will be placed against the side of the bank, and every grave has been recorded, along with a full transcript of the words on them. This task has been undertaken by Colin Squires of Saltash Heritage, with help from David Cole.
Rev Howden said one unusual feature of the churchyard was the discovery of two headstones for one man. He had been married twice, and presumably each of his two wives had erected a headstone. The dates of his death varied, however, so it could not be firmly established that he was the same person.
It is expected the work, being carried out by Chris Bond, will take about a month. No grave under 50 years of age has been moved, and graves have been recorded into five differing categories, set by their stones.
A special service will be held at the completion of the work. The church was founded by Isaiah Birt in l79l, with the old Baptist church building erected in l865. However, that was destroyed by fire several years ago on Christmas day. The new church was built on the same spot.