Welcome to St. John’s Cemetery
At this time, we are placing the sale of new cemetery plots on hold for approximately the next 6–9 months. We are in a time of transition, not a transition of hands, but a time for us to pause, regroup, and make sure we have a clear plan for the future care and management of the cemetery.
In the meantime, we are keeping a waiting list for those who are interested in purchasing a plot. If you would like to be added to the list, please email us with any information that may be helpful, including your preferred location or section, the name of someone you would like to be near, or any other location preferences you may have. We will do our best to assist you when we are able to resume plot sales.
If you are contacting us to research a previous cemetery purchase, locate an existing plot, or request historical cemetery information, we will do our best to assist you. However, during this time of transition, we may not be able to respond to these requests in a timely manner. We appreciate your patience as we work through these requests.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we take this time to care for the cemetery and thoughtfully plan for the years ahead.
Internment Prices
Individual Plots: $1,100
Full Burial Interment: $1,300
Cremation Burial Interment: $900
St. John’s Cemetery was founded in 1793. It is now owned and operated by St. John’s Lutheran Church, Shiremanstown, Pennsylvania. Situated in the beautiful Cumberland Valley, the cemetery adjoins historic Peace Church at the intersection of St. John’s and Trindle Roads, Hampden Township. Thus it is easily accessible to all residents of the Greater Harrisburg Area. Lots are available to accommodate your individual needs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are some of the most common questions we receive. Please call 717-761-5121 if you have further questions.
How much does a plot cost?
A plot currently costs $1,100 each. That is the cost to own the plot and for perpetual care at our cemetery. There is a separate opening and closing fee at the time of burial.
What is an opening fee?
An opening fee is a fee for digging a hole, placing a body, and refilling the hole. This fee is separate from the fee to purchase a plot. The opening fee for a full body burial is $1,300. The opening fee for a cremation burial is $900. Multiple cremains can be placed at the same time for one opening fee. If placed at different times, the opening fee will be charged for each interment.
I don’t want my plot anymore. Will you buy it back from me?
All plot sales are final; we do not purchase plots back. However, you may sell your own plot to another individual or, if there is a waiting list for your plot, we can facilitate the sale. Please notify us if you plan to transfer a deed.
How many cremains can I put in a plot?
You may place up to 4 cremains into one plot. The urns may be placed at different times or the same time. If they are buried at different times, a separate $900 opening fee will apply to each. For example, if you buried 4 different cremains at 4 different times, you would owe a total of $3,600 ($900 at the time of each burial). If you buried all 4 at the same time, you would only owe $900.
Can I have a full body and cremains in the same plot?
Yes, a plot can fit one full body with up to 4 cremains.
Can I bury my pet with me?
You may bury your cremated pet’s remains with you at the time of your burial. Full body pet burials are not allowed. We will not open a grave for the sole purpose of burying pet cremains.
Can I buy a headstone from you?
No, we do not sell headstones or memorials. We recommend working with a local funeral home or memorial business.
Can you place a headstone that I bought online?
Yes. The fee to lay the foundation and set the headstone is $200.
Do you place flags? Where did my flag go?
We do not purchase or place flags for the cemetery. Other community organizations do this. If we see a damaged or fallen flag, we will dispose of or put back flags as necessary.
Why are there weeds around my plot?
We maintain the cemetery by mowing and weed whacking; however, we do not spray for weeds. You may provide more extensive maintenance for a plot if desired.
Do you own Peace Church?
Although Peace Church is a part of our history, we do not own it. Instead, the Historic Society does. Services and weddings are still held in the facility. For more information, visit www.westshorehistoricalsociety.org/peace-church.
Can I visit a plot in the wintertime?
Yes, but we do not plow, so we would advise visiting when there is no snow.
Will you lead a graveside service?
Yes. The fee for one of our pastors to lead a graveside service is $200, usually paid to funeral home. If you aren’t working with a funeral home, you may pay St. John’s Cemetery directly.
We’re Here To Help
If you have an immediate need or know that you will be needing our services in the future, we are here to help. Contact us now and we can help ease the burden and assist with your planning needs.
You are not alone.
Address
44 W Main Street
Shiremanstown PA 17011
Get Directions
Service Hours
Sat : 6pm
Sun : 9am (September - May)
Sun: 10am (June-August)
Sunday School: 10:15am (September - May)
Contact Us
(717) 761-5121
[email protected]