Who were our Pioneers?

Roguer Crouse, one of our farthest-flung members (Washington state) came to us with an idea, and an impressive body of work he has amassed through an extensive study of the Old Pioneer Cemetery at St. Paul’s Anglican church in Zealand. Roguer has meticulously photographed and catalogued stones, and their stories - as much as he’s been able to find so far - and compiled them into a database, which we’re working to help him bring to a wider public. By sharing his findings, the society hopes to solicit information that will help to fill in some of the many gaps in the cemetery’s historical narrative.

Come out on Saturday, May 30 2026 at 10am to meet Roguer for a tour of the cemetery, and learn the archeological techniques of identification and preservation he employs in this important and fascinating project. Open to all interested community members - families with children welcome!