Another Effort Being Made To Locat Makemie Burial Sight

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Another effort to locate the grave of Francis Makemie, the 17th century Presbyterian minister, is underway.

The Archeological investigation will be conducted from Wednesday, October 23 through Saturday October 27 at Sanford.

Volunteers are needed. Previous experience in archeology is not required. All volunteers will be guided by an experienced archeologist from the Virginia Department of Human Resources.

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In 1683 Makemie started six churches in Rehobeth (the oldest Presbyterian Church in America), Buckingham in Berlin, Manokin in Princess Ann, and Pitts Creek near Pocomoke. He died in 1708 at his home in Sanford. His home site is dedicated as the Makemie Monument Park on Monument Road near Saxis Road and is a Virginia Historic Landmark.

Presbyterians located Makemie's grave in 1879 and again in 1897 but since then the precise burial spot has been lost. Society members and friends interested in archeology are invited to help find the location of the grave.

For more information contact Mark Fisher at 824-5514 or Fitz Godwin at 787-1336 to sign up or for additional information.
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