Cemetery a Day in May: Pilgrim's Rest (Volusia County)

Cemetery Log Date: May 14, 2013


Pilgrim’s Rest is a charming 100 year old cemetery at the corner of SR 5A and RS 40 east in Ormond Beach, Volusia County. The oldest headstone in Pilgrim’s Rest is that of “Little Kansas Bennett” who died in 1908 (see photo). Her handwritten into cement headstone sits near the entrance of the cemetery along with several other Bennetts. The cemetery contained a great variety of headstone types—from wooden cross markers to customized marble headstones with hunting and fishing motifs—as well as a large array of grave offerings ranging from flowers to wind chimes, and even a guest book! There was no doubt several lessons could be applied to this cemetery; the setting was a true outdoor museum with lots of artifacts and labels to figuratively read.



Who: Maintained by Pilgrim's Rest Cemetery Fund
What: Fenced historic cemetery with variety of markers and monuments
Where:  Corner of South Nova and Est Granada
When:  Open dawn to dusk 365 days a year
 Why:
  • Resting place of 300 residents
  • Established 1879 as burial grounds for Pilgrim's Rest Primitive Baptist Church
  • Cemetery moved in 1908 to Ormond Beach
  • Events throughout the year with reactors playing the roles of Ormond Beach founders


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