Peterborough is set to pay tribute to more than 200 of its early settlers for the first time in over 160 years.
On Sunday, October 19 at 2 p.m., Nine Ships 1825 will host a Blessing Ceremony at St. Peter’s Cemetery, where a new monument has been installed to mark the mass grave of men, women, and children who helped build the community but were buried anonymously.
Father Tom Lynch will lead the blessing of the Settlers Monument, a single pink granite fieldstone sourced from a local farm. The stone, shaped by natural elements, represents the resilience of the pioneers. Local artist Garrett Gilbert has added custom copper artwork depicting a pioneer shanty, farmland, and oak leaves.
The monument recognises settlers, including many Peter Robinson immigrants, whose remains were moved to St. Peter’s Cemetery in 1859 and again in 1907, after years of being unmarked and forgotten.
The public is invited to attend the ceremony at 870 High Street, with a reception following at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 317 Hunter Street West.
This long-overdue tribute gives Peterborough residents a chance to honour the foundations of their community and remember the sacrifices of those who came before.
