Burial, July 21, 1888
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OUR HISTORY
By the late nineteenth
century, Worcester, Massachusetts had become one of the largest Swedish enclaves in the
country. The industrial success of Worcester attracted skilled Swedish potters and steel
workers. Over time, these Swedish immigrants established a network of churches,
organizations and businesses throughout the Worcester area.
In 1885, the idea of creating a cemetery for
those of Swedish origin was breached. Initial meetings of interested persons resulted in
the purchase of a tract of land, which was granted permission to be used for cemetery
purposes on November 25, 1885. On Memorial Day 1886 the first cemetery was formally
dedicated and became known as the Swedish Cemetery. This original plot of land was
enlarged from three to ten acres over the years.
During the fiscal year 1920-1921, a tract of
land consisting of about twenty acres was purchased for a second burial ground. This tract
of land, which in time became known as All Faiths Cemetery, was known for its natural
beauty, being surrounded on three sides by water. The first burial here took place on
April 23, 1923 with dedication ceremonies following on July 2.
In 1925, a beautiful pavilion was erected and
it is here that we hold our annual Memorial Day programs.The Apostles' Monument, which
depicts Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, was dedicated on Memorial Day 1965 and has become
the unofficial symbol of All Faiths Cemetery. Throughout the year, appropriate hymns,
performed on a carillon, are played through the monument's sound system.
In 1983, a crematory began operation. The
purpose was to accommodate the wishes of those seeking cremation as an alternative to
traditional burial. Following this, an urn garden and a columbarium were established for
the remains of those cremated.
We are immensely proud of our two resting
places. The Swedish Cemetery symbolizes the heritage of a proud people and their
accomplishments. All Faiths Cemetery is an expansion and continuation of this tradition.
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