Goal: $2,750 and volunteer labor
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The historic Tutuilla Presbyterian Church was established in 1882, and is the oldest Presbyterian Church in Eastern Oregon. It is also one of the oldest continuing churches in the eastern portion of the state. It was the second church on the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
The church was established shortly after the killing of the Missionaries Marcus and Narcissus Whitman and their family. The land for the cemetery was deeded to the Presbyterian Church as a land grant by the Tribe and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
The cemetery was one of the first designated cemeteries on the Umatilla Indian Reservation and served as the resting place for those natives wishing a Christian burial. Another cemetery is located on the reservation at the St. Anthony's Mission
Many of the early tribal leaders were members of the Tutuilla Church and are buried in the church cemetery.
Members of the Tribe, as well as members of the church have asked the church to expand the cemetery as nearly all of the available plots are taken, and there is fear that others wishing to buried in this place will not be able to fulfill their wishes. In keeping with Indian culture there is no fee for the plots, so over the years there have been no provisions to save towards expansion or improvements.
Funding this grant will allow for the following: An opportunity for volunteers both Presbyterian and non Presbyterian, natives and non natives to work towards a common goal of expanding the cemetery and beautifying it at the same time. This could be done as a donation and work project over 3-4 days in the summer.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be $5,415. Half of this amount will be local funds, volunteer labor and in-kind gifts of machinery.
Project ID: 56
