Pause here a moment to appreciate the silent stories held within Rouse Hill Cemetery. Established in the early 1870s by Christ Church Anglican it offers an unusual layout. Robert Rouse donated the land where we are standing.
Before this cemetery existed colonists journeyed afar. They buried their dead in Parramatta or Windsor. Early settlers even interred family on their own properties.
Rouse Hill Cemetery is also known by other names. You might hear it called Rouse Hill General Cemetery. Some call it Mile End Road Cemetery. Others know it as Christ Church Cemetery or Rouse Hill Anglican Cemetery.
Look around at the rows of graves. Notice their unusual oval pattern. The rows curve around us. This layout was considered quite unique for its time.
Many sandstone headstones bear inscriptions. Some have been lovingly restored. Their details are crisp and clear. Others have weathered the years. Their words are now difficult to decipher. The inscriptions date from 1874 to 2000.
Here lie pioneers of the district. Their descendants rest in family plots. The land itself has a history. It was originally granted to Thomas Clower. Later Robert Fitzgerald acquired it. He was married to Elizabeth Henrietta Rouse. She was the youngest child of Richard Rouse. Robert then donated the land to the United Church of England and Ireland. This church was a forerunner to today’s Anglican Church.
Many families supported the church over the years. The Terry and Rouse families were great supporters. Mrs. Nina Terry played the organ every Sunday for many years. She played until she was nearly 90. Richard and Eleanor Rumery were also very involved. Their daughter Mary Ann gave gifts and donations. Their son Alfred provided funds for the new front fern and entry gates in 1929.
The oldest headstone belongs to Grace Schofield. It dates back to 20 July 1874. However, this may not be the first burial. No register exists prior to April 1886.
Let’s appreciate the history. Rouse Hill Cemetery stands as a testament to community. It connects us to those who came before. Remember their stories as we continue.