Presbyterian Cemetery

Presbyterian Cemetery Plots are available for purchase. Located amid a number of other cemeteries, including the Alexandria National Cemetery. House of Representatives.

In use since 1809, the historic Presbyterian Cemetery and Columbarium has over 3000 burials among its seven acres, which is located inside the 80-acre Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex. The Presbyterian Cemetery and Columbarium is a consecrated active cemetery that welcomes all. Over the years, the Presbyterian Cemetery has provided burial space for merchants; ship captains; veterans of the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War (including those who served for North and South); the Reverend Dr. Elias Harrison, fourth pastor of the Meeting House; the Reverend Dr. William R. Sengel, former pastor emeritus of the Meeting House; a half dozen of Alexandria’s mayors; numerous representatives of the city’s governing council; and at least one member of the U.S. In the 1950s, a group from Second Presbyterian Church assumed responsibility for the Presbyterian Cemetery. They established a fund to support cemetery operations, which today provides the operating budget and enables necessary capital improvements. Though more than a thousand burial plots remain available in the Presbyterian Cemetery, a Columbarium was added in 2007 to provide more suitable accommodation for cremated remains. Located along the western edge of the roadway through the property, it contains 192 individual niches, each of which can hold two small urns. This facility is available for use by any Presbyterian. Because of the financial support provided by its operating fund, the Cemetery does not charge for perpetual care of interments either in the Columbarium or in individual gravesites. To learn more about the Presbyterian Cemetery and Columbarium, please contact D. David Heiby, Cemetery Superintendent for Information about the site, including purchasing a burial plot or columbarium niche is available on request.

07/04/2025

Worship in the Presbyterian Cemetery – Sunday, July 6 at 10 AM

Wrap up the Fourth of July weekend with a meaningful moment of worship in one of Alexandria’s most peaceful and historic settings.

Join us this Sunday at 10:00 AM in the Presbyterian Cemetery for a special outdoor service. Bring a chair, a hat, and sunscreen, and come ready to reflect, reconnect, and rejoice together.

This sacred space offers a quiet beauty that makes it an ideal place to end the holiday weekend in community and gratitude.

All are welcome—we hope to see you there!

Worship Among the StonesSunday, July 6 at 10:00 a.m.Instead of its regular Sunday service, the Old Presbyterian Meeting ...
06/14/2025

Worship Among the Stones
Sunday, July 6 at 10:00 a.m.

Instead of its regular Sunday service, the Old Presbyterian Meeting House will gather for an exceptional outdoor worship service in the historic Presbyterian Cemetery. Surrounded by the stories of those who came before us, we invite all to join in this meaningful time of reflection, prayer, and music.

All are welcome.

Presbyterian Cemetery
600 Hamilton Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314

We're Live: Visit the New Website for The Presbyterian Cemeteryhttps://prescemeteryalex.orgWe're pleased to announce the...
06/08/2025

We're Live: Visit the New Website for The Presbyterian Cemetery
https://prescemeteryalex.org

We're pleased to announce the launch of our new website for The Presbyterian Cemetery & Columbarium in Alexandria, Virginia. Whether you're researching family history, planning a visit, or seeking burial and columbarium options, the site is now a central hub for information.

The site includes:
– Historical background and notable burials
– Visitor access and contact information
– Burial planning resources and columbarium details
– Downloadable brochures and updates

We invite you to explore the site and share it with anyone interested in the history and legacy of Alexandria’s cemeteries.

Thank you for helping us preserve and honor this sacred ground.

Alexandria, Virginia

01/04/2025

Due to the frigid temperatures, the cemetery vehicle gates will remain closed today. Thank you for your understanding and stay warm!

12/11/2024

🚨 Important Announcement: Wreaths Across America Event 🚨

The annual Wreaths Across America event will take place on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to noon in the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex.

Please note:

Road closures will be in effect during this time, and driving to the cemetery will not be possible.

Last year, this event drew an estimated 2,000 attendees, and a similar or larger crowd is expected this year.

Pedestrian access will remain available until 11:00 a.m., but vehicle access, which normally begins at that time, will not be possible until after the event concludes.

Thank you for being so understanding as we come together to honor those who have served. ❤️🇺🇸

Send a message to learn more

11/15/2024

Notice: Temporary Saturday Gate Openings

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the cemetery vehicle gates may not always be open during the usual hours of 11 AM to 3 PM on Saturdays. While we are working with volunteers to maintain access, this may not be possible every week.

We appreciate your understanding and encourage visitors to plan accordingly. Thank you for your patience during this temporary adjustment.

Send a message to learn more

10/16/2024

🚨 Cemetery Update 🚨

From October 15 to 24, 2024, professional conservators Howard Wellman and Devlin McDonald will be working in Douglass Cemetery to restore priority gravestones. I’ve given them access to the water supply at the Presbyterian Cemetery to assist in this important work.

They’ll be addressing 32 monuments on the west side of Douglass Cemetery, focusing on gravestones that are leaning, rocking, or cracking—those most in need of repair, based on the 2022 Douglass Memorial Cemetery Preservation Plan.

This vital conservation project is funded by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources’ African American Cemetery and Graves Fund. It will also include training for members of the Douglass Cemetery Descendant Advisory Group and the Office of Historic Alexandria staff.

Thanks for your understanding as we help preserve this sacred space. 🙏

Send a message to learn more

Congratulations to Haneef (formerly Arnold Russell) on his well-deserved induction into the Alexandria High School Hall ...
10/12/2024

Congratulations to Haneef (formerly Arnold Russell) on his well-deserved induction into the Alexandria High School Hall of Fame today, October 12, 2024! As a member of the Class of 1980 at T.C. Williams (now Alexandria High School), Haneef was the school’s all-time leading scorer when he graduated and led the Titans to a state championship. He went on to play at Iona College, where he guided them to two NCAA men’s basketball tournaments and earned a degree in Humanities.

Beyond his incredible accomplishments on the court, Haneef’s humility and dedication continue to shine. Each week, with quiet dignity, he picks up trash at the Presbyterian Cemetery, giving back to the community in the most selfless of ways. We’re proud of all that you’ve achieved and the example you set, Haneef! Congratulations!

Join me this Saturday, August 17, at 11:00 AM for a special walking tour of the historic Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex....
08/16/2024

Join me this Saturday, August 17, at 11:00 AM for a special walking tour of the historic Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex. This tour will delve into the fascinating stories of those buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery, many of whom are closely associated with the Lee-Fendall House. All proceeds will support the preservation and programs of the Lee-Fendall House.

If you can't come this Saturday, I'll be leading my regular tour on Saturday, August 24, at the same time. I hope to see you there!
Here is a link to the tour:

Explore Alexandria events with The Zebra Press. Your go-to guide for local happenings. Stay informed and join the excitement!

07/06/2024

From the Superintendent - Due to the extreme heat, the cemetery vehicle gates will remain closed on Saturday, July 6, 2024, since I will not be on duty in the complex.

Send a message to learn more

07/01/2024

From the Superintendent: The gate access code was changed on Monday, July 1, 2024. Please contact the Superintendent if you need access. Please provide your name and reason for visiting. The change did not affect private access codes.

Send a message to learn more

Address

600 Hamilton Avenue
Alexandria, VA
22314

Opening Hours

11am - 3pm

Telephone

+17038690872

Alerts

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