The stone pillars at the wrought-iron gate of Sheffield Cemetery have been newly restored.
The names of the founders of Sheffield Cemetery are engraved in the pillars. As the pillars aged, the engravings began to deteriorate, but now, because of a fundraising campaign by Friends of Sheffield Cemetery, the names are clear and legible again.
Friends of Sheffield Cemetery embarked on this restoration project because its members felt that the founders needed to be honored and recognized for their work establishing the cemetery in 1901. The restoration of stone pillars is part of Friends of Sheffield Cemetery’s “Restoring Honor Campaign” with the goal to raise $1,250,000 for restoring the grounds and chapel at the cemetery.
The restoration of the pillars was announced soon after actor Ed Asner was buried in Sheffield Cemetery. In 2012, Asner performed his show “FDR” as a fundraiser for Friends of Sheffield Cemetery, and its proceeds went to the restoration of the Sheffield Chapel.
The restoration was done by Gary Keshner of Creative Sculpture and Restoration.
Friends of Sheffield Cemetery will hang plaques in the chapel with the names of donors who contributed to the restoration of the stone pillars.
The Friends of Sheffield Cemetery Executive Committee felt that the mitzvah of restoring the pillars should be open to the entire community. Those interested in supporting the restoration work can do so by sending funds to the Jewish Community Foundation, 5801 W. 115th Street, Ste. 104, Overland Park, KS 66211, with instructions to support the Friends of Sheffield Cemetery.
Until the deadline of Sept. 7, donors’ names can still be inscribed on a plaque for inside the chapel. Rickie Haith, Chair of Friends of Sheffield Cemetery, can be contacted at 913-341-8707 with questions, as can Executive Committee members Spencer Schere, Chair-elect; Barb Stras; Judy Lanes; Elisa Pener; and Dion Lutzk.