NEA Memorial Gardens Inc. (NEA-MGI)

NEA Memorial Gardens Inc. (NEA-MGI) is a not-for-profit organization with charitable status which owns, operates and manages the Flatrock Memorial Gardens - St. Michael’s Cemetery in Flatrock, NL, and St. Agnes’s Cemetery in Pouch Cove, NL, on behalf of the residents of both communities.  NEA-MGI is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors.

NEA-MGI was officially incorporated in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) in November 2022 and received CRA Federal Charitable Status in January 2023.  It assumed the administration of the above-named cemeteries in Flatrock and Pouch Cove in June 2023.  Since assuming administration, we, as volunteers, have organized Cemetery Clean up Days & provided a water supply to Family's in caring for flowers they place on their loved ones resting places.  In November 2023, the ownership of both cemeteries was transferred to the NEA-MGI.

St. Michael’s Cemetery (Flatrock Memorial Gardens) has the long-term goal of achieving full Perpetual Care; however, it faces a significant challenge at present.  Numerous plots lie in complete disrepair, some of which belong to our honored veterans and, unfortunately, in some cases, there are no surviving family members to undertake the necessary repairs, upkeep or maintenance.  Additionally, the cemetery has limited accessibility to the public and parking space is limited.

In 2023 and 2024, through modest repairs, we witnessed a renewed interest among family members in caring for their plots and taking pride in the resting places of their dear ones. Furthermore, our efforts to enhance accessibility throughout the cemetery significantly benefited those with mobility challenges. 

An Adopt-A-Plot program has been developed at Flatrock Memorial Gardens.  This program plays a vital role in our mission.  It assigns dedicated volunteers to care for plots where there is no one to care for them because there are no surviving family members, family members are living away, family members are elderly or have a disability that prevent them from maintaining a plot.

The overarching goal of this program is to transform these neglected plots into an acceptable condition, ensuring they are ready for perpetual care.  Our volunteers are equipped with their own tools; however, essential materials such as cleaning supplies (D2), paint, topsoil, sods, etc., have to be purchased.  In certain instances, the use of a backhoe may be necessary to facilitate the restoration process.

Within both cemeteries, time and nature have taken their toll on the stones that stand sentinel over our departed loved ones.  Our mission is to preserve and restore these stones where feasible to the best of our ability.  We tread carefully as we reset the sunken stones to their original position, clean the stones and repaint long-faded inscriptions.  It is a labor-intensive task taking much time, patience and persistence; however, it is a task of profound importance that bridges the past and present, a testament to our commitment.

Time is fleeting and our seniors who are still with us hold precious memories.  We must capture this information before it slips away.  This project isn’t just about facts; it’s about preserving the heart and soul of our towns – Flatrock and Pouch Cove.  Through these stories and memories, we honor our past, celebrate resilience and ensure precious memories are not lost to time.

Preserving our Heritage - For FMG do we want to say that our Cemetery dates back to 1916 and is the only Cemetery at Flatrock.   This maybe important to Family's that have a connection to Flatrock but have little knowledge as parents/grandparents, etc.  moved from here yrs ago & have passed.  Some communities have > 1 Cemetery so they would know donating to Cemetery where Family members rest.   ( History is included about other charities  registered with Canada Helps).