Ceremony well attended

ROME TOWNSHIP — A ceremony took place on Sunday to mark 100 years since the founding of the Rome-Proctorville Cemetery.

More than 100 turned out for the event, which featured gospel music from The Victory Trio of Proctorville First Baptist Church and Southern Praise from Charleston, West Virginia.

“This was a special day to remember the founders of these sacred burial grounds,” Ron Jenkins, the cemetery’s superintendent, said. “Beginning in 1916, members of the Rome and Proctorville communities have entombed their loved here for the final resting place. We take special care to honor the graves of their loved ones.”

He said the cemetery encourages members of the community to use the grounds for walking.

Bowen said Maxine Jenkins, secretary of the cemetery’s board, serves as a walking encyclopedia with her knowledge of family names and plots.  She has served as secretary and treasurer for the cemetery for more than 50 years.

Family members of the cemetery’s original board were in attendance, as well as descendants of Jacob Proctor, the founder of Proctorville, who is buried in the adjacent Old Rome Methodist Church Cemetery.

Carl Bowen, the cemetery’s board president, served as master of ceremonies, and Proctorville VFW Post 6878 presented colors and offered a 21-gun salute.