Estil Cemetery Restoration Program Begins

For Immediate Release:
January 15, 2021

Contact:
Greg Jones (276) 386-3831
Town Manager townmanager@mygatecity.com

GATE CITY, VA –  Estil Cemetery Restoration Program Begins

In 1981 The Estil Cemetery Association was formed to maintain and care for the Estil Cemetery located on Sherman Street. On April 7th, 2016, the Estil Cemetery Association conveyed the cemetery property to the Town of Gate City along with $128,125.72 in funds that are to be used for the maintenance and care of the property. The Town has maintained the cemetery since 2016 under its own budget without use of the funds that were conveyed with the property. The funds conveyed to the Town from the Estil Cemetery Association have been in an investment account since 2016. The account has earned $5,250.28 in interest and now has a current balance of $133,376.00.

Last year, Mr. Timothy Pendergrass of Gate City, had volunteered much of his time in cleaning and caring for the tombstones. His passion and love of history was recognized and appreciated by many residents in Gate City. Sadly, Mr. Pendergrass passed away on December 1st, 2020. Ms. Debbie Cooper, Mr. Pendergrass’ sister, was present during the December 8th, 2020 Gate City Town Council meeting where Mayor Bob Richards and the Gate City Town Council recognized the work of Mr. Pendergrass toward the restoration of Estil Cemetery.

On July 1st, 2020 Mayor Bob Richards assigned Ms. Vicki Roberts, Gate City Planning Commission and Mr. Tyler Kilgore, Gate City Town Council to the Cemetery Committee. The Cemetery Committee has now been tasked with cemetery restoration. The committee met with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) on December 9th, 2020. DHR gave the committee guidance on cleaning and repairing tombstones. DHR also pointed out some of the unique features in the cemetery including cast iron tombstones.

The restoration process will include the removal of trees along the fence line, repair and or replacement of the fence surrounding the cemetery, tombstone cleaning, repair, and documentation. The committee is currently seeking vendors to aid in the restoration process.

“I and the town council are very excited about the work to restore and enhance the look of the Estil Cemetery. It is our desire to promote the cemetery as a location visitor, especially those interested in history, would want to visit while in our town or area. We want it to be a place the citizens of Gate City can take pride in.” Said Mayor Bob Richards

The Town is expecting the restoration project to start in the spring. If you would like to help with this project by volunteering, please contact the Town Hall by calling: 276-386-3831.

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