Pleasant Green Cemetery

The Pleasant Green Cemetery is located in the Oquirrh Mountains above Magna, Utah. Approximately 1,400 persons are buried in the cemetery. Many religious leaders and settlers of the western side of the Salt Lake Valley, particularly many leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) lie in the cemetery. It encompasses a little more than 10 acres (0.040 km2). It is the second oldest cemetery in the Salt Lake Valley and the first pioneer cemetery west of the Jordan River.

History

The Pleasant Green Cemetery was founded in 1883 by Lehi Nephi Hardman, the Bishop of the Pleasant Green Ward, of the LDS Church. Many of the original founders of the western Salt Lake Valley Towns, including Magna, Hunter, Pleasant Green, Ragtown, and Coonville are buried here.[1]

These include pioneers from the Coon, Bertoch, LeCheminant, Rushton, Hardman, Staker, and Taylor families.

The LDS Church cared for and owned the Cemetery from 1883 - 1983. In 1983, the Church formed a nonprofit, known as The Pleasant Green Cemetery Preservation And Development Association. The Church turned ownership and care of the cemetery over to this nonprofit who has managed it ever since.

Burials

Originally graves in this cemetery were sold in lots of 16. The LDS Church charged $20 for 16 graves. That price was later increased to $50 per grave. In the 1980s cemetery management began selling graves one at a time instead of in lots of 16. In the 1990s the price of graves was increased to $425. In 2012 the price was $500.

It is estimated by the cemetery that there are approximately 17,000 grave sites, of which 1,400 are currently occupied.

Nonprofit

As a nonprofit cemetery, which is operated and maintained by volunteers, the cemetery only charges what they have to in order to maintain the grounds, and their equipment. They invest a great deal of their assets into helping families learn about alternative, less expensive methods of burial.[2] A typical burial in the Pleasant Green Cemetery, including headstone, casket, and all fees, often costs less than $4,000 and can cost as little as $1,200.[3] This is 90% lower than the national average.

Management

The Pleasant Green Cemetery is managed by The Pleasant Green Cemetery Preservation And Development Association. A nonprofit which was created by the LDS Church. The current sexton is Hiram Bertoch.[4]

References

  1. ↑ http://www.pleasantgreen.net/history-pleasant-green-cemetery-magna-utah.php
  2. ↑ http://www.pleasantgreen.net/
  3. ↑ http://local.ksl.com/listings/the-pleasant-green-cemetery/144633
  4. ↑ http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865556325/Free-Lunch-Hidden-but-not-forgotten-the-Pleasant-Green-Cemetery-has-lived-since-1883.html?pg=all

Coordinates: 40°41′44″N 112°06′40″W / 40.69556°N 112.11111°W / 40.69556; -112.11111

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