Bethel Cemetery Rededication Ceremony

William Poland was buried in Bethel Cemetery in Indianapolis (on what is now the Indianapolis International Airport's land) with 543 other souls. In 2018, the decision was made that the cemetery must be moved. Although the decision to move the cemetery leaves me with a very heavy heart, I do think those involved did the very best job anyone could ask.

In 2019, Bethel Cemetery was relocated to a nested area within Concordia Cemetery located at 2703 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46225. The burials were kept in the same positions within the nested cemetery as they were in the original Bethel Cemetery. A memorial stone and flag pole were added in the center of the nested area.

William Poland is mentioned on the stone for his War of 1812 service.

On September 28, 2019, a rededication ceremony was performed and I was lucky to be in attendance.
From the handout given during the Rededication Ceremony of Bethel at Concordia Cemetery: "Bethel Cemetery was established in 1827 with the last known burial recorded in 1935. Many of the individuals may have been members of the Bethel Methodist Church, which once stood adjacent to the original cemetery location (Latitude: 39 42 47.78N Longitude: 86 16 31.00W)"

The ceremony consisted of: Prayers, Flag Raising, National Anthem, History & Overview of the Cemetery, Cemetery Dedication, Veteran's Acknowledgment and Military Tributes that included a 21-gun salute, Historic weapon firing, TAPS and Cannon firing.

Poland's buried in Bethel Cemetery (my comments in italics):

• Albert Poland: 1883-1883
• Elizabeth Poland: Born Sept. 9 1820 Died Apr 4 1896 (nee Brassfield, wife of Nicholas, my 3G Grandmother)
• Lydia Poland: Born Jan 14 1827 Died Mar 11 1907 (nee Rickabaugh, wife of Nathaniel)
• Mary, Daut of Nathaniel and Lydia Poland Died Oct 6 1852
• Mary A, Wife of George Poland Born Oct 30 1846 Died Feb 9 1883 (nee Murrell, my 2G Grandmother)
• Mary E Poland 1849-1855
• Mary, Wife of William Poland Died Apr 22 1855 Aged 64 years 7Mo & 4 days (nee Swadley, my 4G Grandmother)
• Minerva Poland 1865-1865
• Nathaniel Poland Born Apr 1 1823 Died Apr 9 1882
• Nicholas Poland Born Oct 6 1861 Aged 64years, 3 mo and 18days
• Nicholas Michael Poland 1846-1884
• Phebe Poland Died Jul 10 1833 age 21y 5m & 8d (dau of Wm and Mary my 4G grandparents)
• William Poland - Died Jan 2, 1856 age 67 (my 4G Grandfather)