John and Ann Dowgill Grave Restoration

We have completed the restoration and rebuilding of the 1834 grave of John and Ann Dowgill, destroyed by external contractors a year ago, (not employed or contracted by ourselves) who felled a tree into the Rehoboth, followed by using a flat tombstone as a cutting board.

On Tuesday 15th September, the new seven foot long, one tonne weight Ledger Stone was manoeuvred into placed on the grave in preparation for its rededication at 2.00 pm on Sunday 20th September 2026, with Dowgill family members and presided by Baptist Pastor Ann Hayward.

Fittingly the day of the rededication was also our annual Heritage Open Day, allowing many visitors to see the resukts of our work.

The service was attended by at least six family members who unveiled the restored grave and placed flowers. The 19 minutes were filmed and will also be hosted on our website.

Many, many thanks to Pastor Ann Hayward, who despite challenging footwear in what was recently a building site delivered a beautiful service and rededicated the grave and surrounding area.

Please see below the film of positioning the Ledger Stone and the film of the service, photographs and a copy of the Order of Service.