Cemeteries

This cemetery is often mistakenly thought to belong to First Presbyterian Church, which is across the street. The cemetery has very early settlers of Charlotte and is just a short distance from the Square, the historic and current center of Charlotte's business district. According to the plaque, which was erected on 3-29-1939, and is shown in the 2nd photo, the cemetery was used between 1774-1878. It has recently undergone major renovation. However, many of the old stones have been broken or removed. According to Violet G. Alexander, it is one of the oldest cemeteries in North Carolina.

This cemetery became known as the Rice Cemetery because the Rice family owned land nearby. It may have also been locally called the Hartt Cemetery at one time. It is the second burial site of the Philadelphia Presbyterian Church. A book about the church's history is entitled The Presbyterian Gathering on Clear Creek by Russell Martin Kerr. The church's website gives additional information about the church and cemeteries. The burial records were provided in 7/2003 by George Timblin and the committee restoring this cemetery.

It started in 1940. This is not a complete list of burials. Stones from the Barnett and Smartt cemetery, once located off Nations Ford Road, now the site of Vulcan Materials Co., were not able to be moved to Sharon, since they only allow flat marker. The cemetery can be seen from Monroe Rd. as well as Sharon Amity Rd.

Documentation

(1) Burek, Deborah M., ed. Cemeteries of the U. S., Detroit: Gale Research Inc., 1994.

The church was founded in 1770. A history of this church is entitled The Presbyterian Gathering on Clear Creek, by Russell Martin Kerr published by Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, 2001.There are two cemeteries for this church at this location. One is to the side of the sanctuary, and one is in front of the church. Both can be seen from the road. The one across the street from the church is also known as Evergreen, not to be confused with the cemetery on Central Ave., owned by the City of Charlotte. For more information, please visit the Church's website.