Steve Thurston
The county will consider historic designation for the small cemetery at the Calloway United Methodist Church. It dates to the 1890s. The church is celebrating its 145th year.
The cemetery at Calloway United Methodist Church at 5000 Lee Highway is one step closer to becoming a historic location in Arlington. The Planning Commission last night unanimously supported the church’s application for the designation, which means it moves forward to the county board for its consideration during their March 10 meeting.
The cemetery, which dates back to the late 1800s, holds the remains of an African-American soldier who fought for the Union, and the remains of people whose families still live in Arlington many generations later.
The designation will not cost the county money as upkeep will be the church’s responsibility. They plan on installing a fence and fixing some of the grave sites. Any changes they make would have to go back to the county for approval once the site has the historic designation.
Also, should the state wish to widen or change Lee Highway in a way that would disrupt the cemetery, officials would have to consider the historic impact of those changes, said Michael Leventhal, a historic planner with the county.
“I think it’s a wonderful and fitting statement for the end of Black History Month,” Leventhal said when the vote was cast.
Related:
More coverage on the historic cemetery, including a slideshow of images.
