Steelmantown Cemetery's Story
A Natural Burial at Steelmantown Cemetery
Experience a natural resting place with significant history and abundant nature. Established as a family burial ground in the 1680s, Steelmantown Cemetery existed during Colonial America, witnessing the development of the United States firsthand. Some of America's first colonists, as well as soldiers from the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, can be found in the historic section of the cemetery.
Ed Bixby—the founder of Steelmantown Cemetery Company (Destination Destiny) and a life-long resident of the area—counts generations of relatives buried in the cemetery, as it was his very ancestors that established the burial ground. Unfortunately, when he visited the seven-acre property in 2007, he discovered an overgrown, abused, and damaged scene. Determined to restore dignity to this resting place of so many, Ed contacted the owner about improving the state of the cemetery, who replied with a proposal: "Why don't I just give it to you (Ed)?"
Recognizing the potential for the site, Ed eagerly accepted responsibility for revitalizing the property and rebuilt the church that once stood on the property. Using a single photograph and his mother's memory, he created an exact replica of Steelmantown Southern Baptist Church, which now stands as an All Faith Chapel. The comprehensive renovation effort also included restoring graves and removing garbage.
One morning after cleaning up the property, Ed stumbled upon an article in the Press of Atlantic City about green burial. He realized that Steelmantown Cemetery met all the criteria for a green burial preserve by default; Steelmantown Cemetery has been burying people naturally for hundreds of years. From here, Ed set upon making Steelmantown Cemetery an official green burial preserve, offering natural burials in the forest along scenic nature trails. Steelmantown Cemetery remains New Jersey's sole all-green burial ground to this day!
Watch this touching movie about the natural burial experience at Steelmantown Cemetery to learn more: Steelmantown.
Ed Bixby—the founder of Steelmantown Cemetery Company (Destination Destiny) and a life-long resident of the area—counts generations of relatives buried in the cemetery, as it was his very ancestors that established the burial ground. Unfortunately, when he visited the seven-acre property in 2007, he discovered an overgrown, abused, and damaged scene. Determined to restore dignity to this resting place of so many, Ed contacted the owner about improving the state of the cemetery, who replied with a proposal: "Why don't I just give it to you (Ed)?"
Recognizing the potential for the site, Ed eagerly accepted responsibility for revitalizing the property and rebuilt the church that once stood on the property. Using a single photograph and his mother's memory, he created an exact replica of Steelmantown Southern Baptist Church, which now stands as an All Faith Chapel. The comprehensive renovation effort also included restoring graves and removing garbage.
One morning after cleaning up the property, Ed stumbled upon an article in the Press of Atlantic City about green burial. He realized that Steelmantown Cemetery met all the criteria for a green burial preserve by default; Steelmantown Cemetery has been burying people naturally for hundreds of years. From here, Ed set upon making Steelmantown Cemetery an official green burial preserve, offering natural burials in the forest along scenic nature trails. Steelmantown Cemetery remains New Jersey's sole all-green burial ground to this day!
Watch this touching movie about the natural burial experience at Steelmantown Cemetery to learn more: Steelmantown.
Services
A site of considerable peace, history and beauty, Steelmantown Cemetery is forested by massive oak, cedar, and pine trees running alongside natural cedar bogs. Accenting its serenity, hundreds of natural, undeveloped acres of New Jersey’s Belleplain State Forest neighbor the location. Surround yourself with this beautiful nature eternally with one of our eco-friendly funeral options.
Natural Burial
Rest among a meadow with views of Steelmantown Church or amongst the trees in the forest. Historic Meadow Section Plot - 3' by 10' Double Interment Plot: $5,750 Woodland Burial Plot - 5' by 10' Single Burial Plot: $3,500 - 10' by 10' Double Burial Plot: $5,750 At the Time Of: $1,500 Opening and Closing Fee All Services Include: - Opening and closing of the gravesite. - Complimentary use of Steelmantown Chapel. - A complimentary fieldstone that can be engraved or painted. *Pre-Arrangement is Available |
Tree of Life
Become and create new life with tree of life cremains burial. Tree of Life - 3' by 3' Single Woodland TOL Plot: $2,000 - 3' by 3' Single Trailside TOL Plot (2 Sets of Cremains): $3,500 Plantings: The memorial tree/shrub that you plant must be indigenous to the area. Local garden centers are great resources for such. Service Include: - Opening and closing of the gravesite. - Complimentary use of Steelmantown Chapel. - A complimentary fieldstone that can be engraved or painted. *Pre-Arrangement is Available |
Preservation Memorial Walk
Help us preserve and protect Steelmantown's precious surroundings by supporting the creation of a memorial that will line the entrance of the eco-trail. Memorial Walk Plot - 1' by 1' Cremains Burial Plot: $1,000 Services Include: - Opening and closing of the gravesite. - Complimentary use of Steelmantown Chapel. - A complimentary fieldstone that can be engraved or painted. *Pre-Arrangement is Available |
