The grounds have various spiritual epitaphs that have been carved into gravestones over the last three centuries. The messages include biblical passages and notices of historical events and people.
A map of locations, texts of messages and notes on the origins of a dozen epitaphs have been made available to the public by the church.
Visitors are free to peruse the historic grounds and the variety of foliage on the 6-acre location, St. Paul’s site manager David Osborn said. The site was designated as the town common in Colonial times, which would typically lead to the clearing of most trees. However, since the cemetery was a place of tranquility, trees were permitted to grow.
Each walking tour is about 45 minutes, but participants are permitted to spend as much time as they would like. Guides are distributed in the St. Paul’s museum but can also be viewed online.
The church is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and usually the second Saturday of each month from noon to 4 p.m. and the first Thursday of each month from 1 to 9 p.m. For more information at St. Paul's Church National Historic Site, visit its website.
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