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An article, researched and written by local Sparta Writer FEG
Halloween in Sparta: Visit The First Presbyterian Church’s Cemetery
by FEG
At first, a cemetery does not sound like the best place to visit in Sparta, maybe too sinister and depressing for some people. Let’s envision it as a journey in the story of those who made Sparta the town it is today.
The First Presbyterian Church of Sparta, on Main Street, is one of the oldest buildings in town. Some dates show it was already here in1786. The building next to it was used as a school in the early 20th century and later as the fire department headquarters.
You can park your car in the parking lot. The cemetery entrance is on the left side of the church. A nice stone wall gives you already the feeling that you step into history. The first tombs are the oldest. Time, weather and forgetfulness give no hint about who rests here. A tomb by a wall in the center of the cemetery has a flag and a tag for a revolutionary soldier. It reminds visitors that Washington went through Sparta during the Revolutionary War and many brave Spartans had fallen by his side.
Can you smell the slight odor of gunpowder brought by the wind?
We mostly associate a cemetery with death and sadness, but by strolling through these alleys, we can find a lot of love. People have cherished their spouses, parents, siblings and children, and this, we cannot forget. It is what binds and links families, friends, and relatives together that has allowed our town to grow into what it is today.
Do you hear the music of a lovely waltz, and the secret whispered by the lovers?
Some may say there is tragedy and pain in every corner, but we can also find hope and transcendence.
Can you feel the pages under your finger and read the never-ending book of life?
So, if you want to go back in time, in a peaceful and quiet place, far from zombies of any kind, stop by the cemetery behind the white church on Main Street, and let your imagination create your stories. You will find war and peace, sadness and joy, hate and love, tears and laughs. Here, surrounded by a crowd of silent stones, you will find the story of a community.
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