2018 was a significant year for Shao
Shan Temple Cemetery. There were numerous grounds and landscaping improvements,
a record number of lots purchased, and a maturing of the Shao Shan Temple Cemetery organization.
There is now a granite pagoda installed in the
center of the Ceremonial Oval. Prior to September 2018, the
center of this space was temporarily held with various objects and poles that did
not last. Now a four-foot granite Rokkaku Yukumi, traditionally known as a
"snow viewing lantern," contributes to the dignity and peacefulness
of the cemetery.
A
Communal Shrine was constructed and landscaped with a small surrounding garden.
The Communal Shrine will allow interment in Shao Shan Temple Cemetery without
an individual lot and memorial stone. The first interment in this new
Communal Shrine occurred this past summer.
Also this past summer, granite corner
posts were installed to mark the corners of the entire cemetery property and
smaller posts installed to outline the ceremonial circle. Additional rhododendrons
were added to the landscaping.
In 2018, a number of Shao Shan Temple sangha
members either paid for or reserved with a down payment an individual cemetery
lot. There were ten lots sold or reserved this past year, compared with seven
lots total prior to 2018.
As Shao Shan Temple Cemetery has
become more established, it has become evident that to ensure the cemetery’s
longevity it is necessary to have multiple people aware of how the cemetery functions
rather than leaving all of the information in Kenzan’s hands. This past fall
was the first meeting of the newly formed Cemetery Committee. Thanks to Peter
Burke and Susan Calza for agreeing to serve on this Committee.
