High Winds Damage St. John's Cemetery, Story By The CBC

headstones in a St. John's cemetery. CBC

Posted: Jul 11, 2011 4:14 PM NT

Last Updated: Jul 11, 2011 4:14 PM NTHigh winds took their toll Sunday on the Anglican Cemetery on Forest Road in St. John's.

Gusts of up to 93 kilometres per hour toppled over an old tree. The tree then knocked over several headstones.

The damage happened in one of the oldest sections of the graveyard, which was consecrated in 1849.

"It's a shame to lose the trees, but inevitably it will happen and, unfortunately, when they get large in an old cemetery like this, they will disturb some of the headstones and graves when they come down." Craig Peterman, a genealogist who has been documenting the cemetery, said.

Cemetery supervisors said they will bring in staff with equipment to restore the headstones later this week.