Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
West Laurel Hill Cemetery celebrates 150 years
West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd was established by John Jay Smith in 1869, 33 years after the founding of its sister cemetery, Laurel Hill.
2019 marks the 150th anniversary of West Laurel Hill Cemetery, and on Wednesday, Jan. 23, the cemetery held a private event to celebrate this milestone and kick off its 150th year with attendees ranging from local officials and community partners to families the cemetery has served.
Following light fare provided by Day by Day Catering and live jazz music from the Tim Brey Trio, speeches were given, including welcoming remarks from West Laurel Hill’s first female president and CEO, Nancy Goldenberg. Following Goldenberg’s speech thanking community members for their support, state Rep. Pamela DeLissio, D-194, presented West Laurel Hill with a citation on behalf of the House of Representatives in which the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania acknowledged the entities that contribute to the benefit of the cemetery’s growth and community engagement.
Montgomery County Commissioners Chair Dr. Valerie Arkoosh presented a proclamation on behalf of Montgomery County to commend the cemetery’s commitment to the community over the past century, as well as serving as the region’s premier cemetery and crematory, and township Commissioner George Manos presented an official commendation on behalf of Lower Merion Township where West Laurel Hill was recognized for not only providing a safe and dignified resting place for the dead but serving a dual role as a community resource and gathering space for fundraising and recreational activities.
West Laurel Hill had community partners in attendance, such as representatives from Main Line Media News, MANNA, the Independence Business Alliance, the Wayne Art Center, Surrey Services for Seniors, New Horizons Senior Center and the Sustainable Business Network.
The cemetery will hosti additional events celebrating its anniversary throughout 2019, including two featured performances on its historic grounds by the Pennsylvania Ballet in May and a meet-and-greet with the heirs of John Jay Smith.