THE GRACE FOUNDATION OF TAYLORS ISLAND, INC.

Taylors Island, MD 21669

Policy for Use and Care of Graveyards
The Grace Foundation of Taylors Island owns and maintains cemeteries at three locations;
Bethlehem Church Graveyard, Grace Church Graveyard, and the Old Lane Church Graveyard.
These are maintained for use by residents of the Taylors Island area, and for those with
ancestors or families of the Island who are buried there. It is necessary to have certain
restrictions and guidances for the care and use of these graveyards and this policy is proposed
to provide those. This policy will be available to those requesting a burial site, posted in the
churches at each location, and distributed to local undertakers.
PERMISSION FOR BURIALS: Space for new burials may be approved for persons who are
local residents, or have local family connections. Burial is permitted based on space available.
Grace Foundation shall designate persons to be the primary contacts (graveyard custodians) for
graveyard related questions. Those individuals shall determine the eligibility for burial, and
designate the location for the new burial location. No burial shall be permitted without prior
approval by the graveyard custodians. Should there be a dispute of a burial decision, it will be
referred to the Grace Foundation Trustees for a final determination.
FEES: Years ago when managed by Old Trinity Church, some plots for future graves at the
Grace Church graveyard were purchased by family members for future use, and are still
recorded and honored. Since ownership by Grace Foundation, the practice of selling empty
grave plots was discontinued, but maintenance donations are requested. Grave plots have not
been sold in the past at other Grace Foundation graveyards.
CARE OF THE GRAVEYARDS: The Grace Foundation shall assure regular maintenance of
the graveyards and maintenance and repairs to individual grave sites. An annual request for
support is sent to the families of those buried there. This is the source of financing for repairs
and maintenance of the graveyard.
GRAVE CONSTRUCTION: Location of new graves must be approved in advance by the
graveyard custodian. Graves and their markers must be aligned with others in the area
whenever possible. Shortly after the dirt over a new grave settles, the grave must be leveled to
the surrounding area and planted with suitable grass by the grave installation company.
All new graves must have permanent grave markers installed within 6 months of a burial.
Markers may be either upright or at ground level, of material, size and appearance compatible
with others in the graveyard. Foot stones with the initials of the deceased may also be installed.
Headstones should contain the name, birth date, death date, and other appropriate information
regarding the deceased. Separate durable emblems recognizing the deceased's military service
or membership in historic organizations are permitted.
MEMORIALS AND DECORATIONS:
Planting of trees or shrubs at graves is not permitted. The placement of statues, toys, or other
articles of a permanent nature are not permitted. Planted flowers, small flags, flower holders or
other decorations must be placed no more than 12 inches from the front of the head stone, and
will be removed when not maintained weed-free by the family, and when not attractive or
appropriate. The graveyard caretakers have authority to remove any object at any time that is
objectionable or not acceptable for any reason.
VANDALISM OR INTENTIONAL DAMAGE OF ANY KIND: No
impropriety will be tolerated, and anyone who damages grave markers or any
characteristics of the graveyards will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
(Approved April 25, 2019)