After more than a century, the stirring sounds of a brass band were heard at the historic Sharon Burying Ground.
A tradition was revived June 3 when the York Region Brass Band performed at the site for the first annual Decoration Day.
Peter Hussey, the band’s director, said the members enjoyed playing at the Sharon Burying Ground and that it was “quite an honour “ to be part of the day.
He said he looks forward to working with the Sharon Burying Ground Association on future events.
Members of the band were also interested in seeing the history engraved on the memorials.
“We should remember where we came from as we go on to the future,” Hussey said.
The Sharon Burying Ground, located at 18391 Leslie St. in East Gwillimbury, was established by the Children Of Peace, who built the magnificent Sharon Temple on what is now Leslie Street in the village of Sharon.
A very accomplished group, they built several fine buildings and formed a choir and silver band.
The band and choir became very well known throughout the area as they travelled to events in other communities such as Markham or Pickering and as far as Toronto.
They would also march from the meeting house to perform Sunday afternoon concerts at the burying ground. It is believed that there was a bandstand on the site.
The Sharon Burying Ground Association hosts a number of events throughout the year to promote the site and engage the community in its history.
More information and research about families buried there can be found at sharonburyingground.ca.
— Submitted by Karen Mahoney
