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Community Corner

A Catalogue of Little Neck's Past

Zion Episcopal Cemetery tells the story of area's illustrious history

It's a veritable "who's who" of the Little Neck-Douglaston area of yore.

Comprised of nearly seven acres, the cemetery surrounding the hilltop Zion Episcopal Church is filled with names like Cornell, Douglas, Hewitt and Bryce Rea, etched into marble and granite.

"There's a lot of history here," explained , member of the Little Neck-Douglaston American Legion Post 103, during a tour of the churchyard Tuesday.

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In addition to being the final resting place for many of the early settlers of Little Neck and Douglaston, Zion Episcopal cemetery also is home to the remains of high-decorated American veterans, according to Mulhern.

"It was recently discovered actually that John Starkins who's laid to rest in one of the older sections of the cemetery here was a 'Medal of Honor' recipient during the Civil War," Mulhern said. "That's not something many residents of Little Neck know."

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Mulhern also pointed out that veterans from the Revolutionary War, Spanish American War, Civil War, as well as both World Wars are among those that call Zion Episcopal their final resting place.

Also among the the dearly departed reposing at Zion Cemetery are many Matinecock Indians, according to the rector of Zion Church, Rev. Patrick Holtkamp.

"The Little Neck community might find it interesting to learn that we've had a historic relationship with the Matinecock tribe that goes back to the 1930s and continues still today," Holtkamp said.

With the expansion of Northern Boulevard requiring the relocation of a Matinecock burial ground in the 1930s, the church accepted the responsibility of safeguarding the remains — a sacred duty that continues to this day, according to Holtkamp. 

In addition to being a monument to the deceased of the past, Holtkamp also pointed out that the Zion Episcopal Church remains an active cemetery.

"Moreover, any member of the church is allowed to be buried here," he said. 

Filled with cedar, pine and yellow-wood trees planted by early settlers, the cemetery at Zion Episcopal Church serves as a shrine to the people who created the Little Neck we know today . 

"We welcome all within the community to walk through Zion's hallowed campus, and learn about our unique history," Holtkemp said.

For more on the churchyard at Zion Episcopal Church, visit www.zionepiscopal.org.

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