Revolutionary War descendants mark America’s 250th at Bethel Cemetery
BETHEL PARK – As the nation observes its 250th birthday this year, Bethel Presbyterian Church is marking the same milestone.
A celebration to observe both historic occasions will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Bethel Cemetery, 2999 Bethel Church Road, next to Bethel Presbyterian Church, where more than a dozen patriots who fought in the Revolutionary War are buried.
Wreaths will be laid during a grave dedication ceremony at the cemetery to honor the soldiers who fought to win the nation’s freedom. Members of Scouting America will be on hand to lay the wreaths.
The Bethel Fife and Drum Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Pittsburgh Chapter will co-host the event.
The SAR will serve as the color guard for the event and present a flag certificate to the Bethel Park Historical Society.
Bethel Presbyterian Church’s history room will be open to learn more about the history of the cemetery and the church.
The church designated a history room in 1972 started by Anna T. Connor, giving a home to artifacts such as the pulpit chair belonging to John McMillan, the circuit minister who visited developing congregations west of the Alleghenies on horseback, and the desk used by Dr. George Marshall, pastor of the church from 1834-72.
“The room is interesting, and there’s a lot of family information. We have some original letters. We have many lovely artifacts that people saved and thought to give them to us,” said Pam Decker, a member of the church who oversees the history room. She is one of a committee of three working to refine all of the information donated over the years.
Event master of ceremonies Karen Gibson, regent for the Bethel Fife and Drum DAR chapter, will read the names of the American Revolutionary War soldiers. Her fifth great-grandfather fought in the war, but is buried at a different location.
Rachel Carlson, president of the Upper St. Clair Historical Society, a descendant of patriot Alexander Gilfillan, buried at the cemetery, will give comments, and there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Gilfillan was a private, 4th Company, Second Pennsylvania Battalion (PVT 4 CO 2 PA BN) in the Washington County Militia, Peters Township, under Capt. William Fife, who is also buried in the cemetery. Gilfillan was elected the first justice of the peace in St. Clair Township, a post he held for 40 years.
Of the event, Gibson said, “I hope that we create a chance for all of us to reflect on and recognize these people that served and helped to found our country.
“After 250 years, it can be easy to get separated from those times and thinking about their sacrifices, about what they did and recognizing them as veterans who obviously made huge contributions to where we are.”