compiled by Teresa Martin Klaiber 2010
Several weeks ago I reported the horrible vandalism of Kavanaugh Chapel Cemetery in rural Boyd County, Kentucky. Today I witnessed the faith of God and the love of community, as all came together to restore our counties loved ones graves.
Driving down US #23 everyone could see the jumble of parked cars that filled the church parking lot, overflowed to the adjoining farm and lined the railroad tracks. Every inch of the cemetery was covered with individuals working on hand and knees to repair the damage caused several weeks ago.
As we took people's hands we heard the stories. All wanted to commend others for the volunteer work they had done. I quickly grabbed a pad and pencil and know that I have still left many individuals out who donated many hours to see this restoration through to the end. Among the groups that participated were Carpenters #472, the Steel Workers #1865, the Iron Workers #769, Marathon Oil, The Boyd County Detention Center, The Boyd County Cemetery Board, and the Louisa Methodist Church.
Individuals from the church from children to elders were working side by side with inmates. The church handed out water and even ice cream cones to relieve the workers throughout the morning and afternoon. As tombstones were repaired teens were lovingly brushing away soil and moss from each stone.
Lou Dunn, shovel in hand, stated his relationship with the Hattons and Turman's. Mr. Cox reminisced about the time a tombstone fell and broke his leg, pointing out the exact stone and then saying that all his family was laid to rest in Kavanaugh Chapel.
Another lady, like myself, expressed how different the atmosphere was today from just a short time ago. If the vandals thought they could destroy faith, they did not. In fact just as Jean Preece had predicted our community came together. My heart soared to see the monuments standing tall once again.
