What is a cemetery sexton?

Answer 1

The bell ringerA sexton is a person (usually a preist or apprentice of one) who rings the church bells during each hour and during special cerimonies like that of the time at a funeral.

A cemetery sexton is a person who runs the local cemetery(ies)

Opening and Closing Graves

One of the main functions of a sexton is to open and close graves for interments. In order to do that, the sexton must know where the plots are physically located in the cemetery, the dimensions of the plots, and which graves are filled, and it is the sexton's responsibility not to disturb prior interments when opening graves. It would not be a good thing for the backhoe to hit another casket. In some cases this means that the sexton must use a Sexton's Key to probe the ground and make certain the neighboring graves will not be disturbed.

Selling Plots

Another major function of a cemetery sexton is to be able to show prospective buyers available lots. That means that the sexton must not only keep up with what plots are filled, but also what lots are sold. The sale of a cemetery plot is pretty much like the sale of any real estate.

Placing Headstones

Once a headstone is shipped to the cemetery, it is the sexton's responsibility to know where the monument is to be installed and direct the installation. In many cemeteries, it is also the sexton's responsibility to notify the installers when the stone arrives.

Grounds Maintenance

This not only includes mowing, but also the upkeep of trees and plantings, the cemetery fence, signage, and any memorial areas in the cemetery.

Rules and Regulations

Enforcing the cemetery rules and regulations, when people can visit, conduct in the cemetery, and litter. Similarly most modern cemeteries have rules about what can be installed at a grave, and what can be placed at a grave. Some cemeteries do not allow planting at graves, holiday decorations, lighting, or other memorabilia, while other will allow some or all of these things. Many cemeteries have rules about live and even artificial flowers and post signage stating flowers will be removed on a certain date. This helps to keep the cemetery clean and fresh of pots of death flowers throughout the harsh winter.

Mapping/Platting

Modern cemeteries are typically platted out and every square inch is accounted for. The cemetery may be comprised of different lot layouts in different sections of the cemetery. There may be differing sizes of graves and usually some smaller crematory plots. A map is created and each grave is identified by some naming or numbering scheme, usually identifying sections, blocks, lots, and plots, and it is the job of the sexton to maintain this map. This map is essential in the ability to do their job.