A VERY UNUSUAL MEMORIAL – EBENEZER JONES, CHRISTMAS DAY, AND JEWISH HERITAGE.

 

 

As we approach Christmas this year and all that it brings, let’s spare a thought for John Jones, who at the age of 35 passed away peacefully on Christmas Day 1856 and is commemorated here in St David’s cemetery. One of the most unusual memorials in this cemetery is this little headstone commemorating the burial of three members of the same family….Ebenezer, his wife Mary, and their son John.

A close up of the memorial

Clearly, the memorial is based on the design of the Star of David. Its adoption as a distinctive symbol for the Jewish people and religion dates back to Medieval times.  The name Ebenezer is also a Hebrew name synonymous with the Jewish people, and so it is quite remarkable to see such a design in a Welsh Cemetery which is nearly 170 years old. May they all rest in peace.

The memorial together with an earlier grave marker of the same design

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Richard Goodridge (Chairman of Trustees)

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