Historic Cemetery

The cemetery at Ebenezer Church is one of Australia's historically significant colonial burial grounds, preserving the stories of some of the earliest European settlers in the Hawkesbury region.

Established alongside the early Presbyterian congregation, the cemetery contains the graves of pioneering families, including descendants and members of the families who arrived aboard the Coromandel in 1802.

The cemetery offers a remarkable record of changing burial traditions. Early sandstone headstones and footstones dating from the 1820s reflect the simplicity of the first generations of settlers.

Later Victorian-era memorials introduced modest decorative features and iron surrounds, many of which survive today. Graves from the twentieth century and later show the continuing connection between Ebenezer Church and generations of Hawkesbury families.

Among the earliest recorded burials is that of Robert McKenzie, who died in 1825. McKenzie was one of the sealers rescued by Captain John Grono, a member of Ebenezer's pioneering community.

Today, the cemetery remains an important place of remembrance, family history and reflection.

The Ebenezer Church cemetery remains an important part of the church's heritage and its ministry to the community.

The historic burial ground is not being extended, and new burial plots are no longer available for purchase.

However, memorial options for cremated remains are available, including niches in memorial walls and spaces within the memorial gardens.

These arrangements are available to members of the wider community, subject to availability and the cemetery's applicable conditions.

Families wishing to enquire about memorial arrangements are encouraged to contact the church to discuss the available options, applicable fees and procedures.

We recognise that decisions concerning burial and memorialisation are deeply personal, and we aim to approach every enquiry with care and sensitivity.

Ebenezer Church welcomes enquiries about the historic cemetery, family connections and memorial arrangements.

Whether you are researching an ancestor buried at Ebenezer, seeking information about a historic grave or considering a memorial for a loved one, we will endeavour to direct your enquiry to the appropriate person.

When making an enquiry, please include as much relevant information as possible, such as the name of the person concerned, approximate dates and the nature of your request.

For cemetery enquiries: Please contact Ebenezer Church using the contact information provided on this website.