Masonic Cemetery Arch - Bunceton, MO
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 38° 47.682 W 092° 47.959
15S E 517427 N 4294013
Ornate wrought iron arch at the entrance to the cemetery.
Waymark Code: WM15ZFP
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 03/31/2022
Views: 3
County of cemetery: Cooper County
Location of cemetery: Elm St., N. of Nelson Ave., Bunceton
Number of graves: 1,390
This triple stair-stepped arch of wrought iron painted silver, with snow-flake designs scattered throughout the work space.
The top of the arch had the cemetery name in steel plate letters, with a special three bullet holes in the "M"
"The old "City Cemetery" is located in the southwest corner of what is now the Bunceton Masonic Cemetery. We are told that the entrance was from the west, a road leading to it from the old creek road which went to Boonville. As it was not cared for by an organization, the Bunceton Masonic Lodge had a vision to take over the care of the grounds. A committee was appointed to write the by-laws, and submit them to the Lodge, which were accepted. The Lodge elected a :Board of Control" composed of three Masons who take care of the cemetery business.
"The Masons take much pride in it and have made many improvements. They built a substantial fence around it and a gravel road through it. Three entrances were made on the east and trees planted along this side, all of which add to the appearance.
"Mr. J.W. Wilson planted peonies at the corners of many lots and on Memorial Day, they make a beautiful cemetery as there are always some blooms and often each plant is filled with gorgeous blossoms. Later, Mr. Sam T. Smith planted many more, as the cemetery grew. There are beautiful trees; two large ones located in the central part, under which the annual program on Memorial Day is given.
"The Lodge hires a caretaker who keeps the grass mowed, the leaves raked, trash hauled away and digs the graves. A new tool house and rest rooms were added several years ago. They also laid a cement walk on the outside of the east fence.
"It is customary for the Lodge to arrange an appropriate program for Memorial Day. It is like "Home-Coming" with friends and loved ones there to decorate the graves of those who have gone before. Everyone is proud to have such an attractive resting place for their loved ones. The Masonic Lodge expresses its solemnity in this project which they have so beautifully perfected." ~ Cooper MoGenWeb