Gardens of Stone --- A Cemetery Blog by Alexandra Kathryn Mosca

  Many artfully designed Celtic crosses can be seen in cemeteries. A favorite of mine is the one that marks the grave of industrialist Andrew Carnegie and his family in Sleepy Hollow. The Celtic cross --a traditional cross accentuated by a circle--has been part of the culture of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, from ancient times. Many believe that the cross symbolizes God's eternal presence, as well as Christ's sacrifice and victory over death. Another of my favorites can be found in Providence, Rhode Island's Swan Point Cemetery.  In upper Manhattan's Trinity Cemtery, a 16-foot high Celtic cross, adorned with animal carvings, towers over the grave of John James Audubon. 

Edward I. Koch, New York City's beloved mayor (and my favorite) died six years ago today. It was a privilege to attend his funeral, and write about it for 'American Funeral Director.' Of the thousands of funerals I've been at over the years, Mayor Koch's remains my favorite. It incorporated all the elements of a good funeral, and the memory of his casket being shouldered out of Temple Emanu-El to the tune of New York New York is indelible. Mayor Koch is buried in Trinity Cemetery (uptown).

  Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Upper Manhattan lies the only active cemetery remaining in Manhattan -- historic Trinity Cemetery. A hidden gem of tranquility and serenity, this beautifully landscaped burial ground comprises four city blocks and offers visitors a chance to discover the rich history of New York City, its notable figures and architectural gems that has stood the test of time.  As I wandered beneath a canopy of trees, the landscape transformed into a majestic tapestry of history. Among the graves I encountered was the final resting place of   Clement Clarke Moore . The author of the Christmas classic,   A Visit From St. Nicholas , his tombstone stands as a testament to his cherished contribution to literature.  Moore is in good literary company with novelist Ralph Ellison, publisher E.P. Dutton, and Alfred Tennyson Dickens, son of Charles Dickens, all buried on the grounds. Another notable grave is that of John James Au...