Sep 30, 2011 1 min read

My mother was recently buried at Laurel Hill Church Cemetery next to my father and my brother.

My grandparents are buried two rows down, my great-grandfather who fought in the Civil War is buried over the hill by the fence, and two cousins, who died so sadly young, are several graves over. Strangely I’ve always found comfort visiting there. The quiet country faith of past generations testifies to me of hardship and joy and perseverance.

So I was heartbroken when I saw the new mining operation next to the church, bumping up against the property lines of the old cemetery.

And I naturally worried about what would happen if they proceed with blasting there as planned. I beg of those who are making these decisions to please reconsider. Before you decide, visit this historic church that is unlike any that will ever be built again. Wander through the cemetery with its graves from the 1700s. There is much more at stake here than monetary profit.

There are so few places of peace in our lives. Please don’t damage this one.

Bonnie Sedlock Wright

Gettysburg, Pa.