Manteo Cemetery Board holds dedication for Eventide Chapel

Published 7:34 am Saturday, September 21, 2019

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David Twiford, Becky Breiholz, Rodney Benson, Lynda Midgett, Amy Crawford, Christine Walker and Jamie Daniels, all from left, gather at the Eventide Chapel dedication. Danielle Puleo photo

The Eventide Chapel, named by Angel Khoury, honors those whose contributions to the town of Manteo will never be forgotten. Danielle Puleo photo

The history of Manteo Cemetery is closely linked to that of the Mount Olivet United Methodist Church. Danielle Puleo photo

Larry Franklin gave a brief overview of the history and background of the Manteo Cemetery and Mount Olivet United Methodist Church. Danielle Puleo photo

Jamie Daniels, Cemetery Board member, led the dedication of the Eventide Chapel. Danielle Puleo photo

Surnames such as Midgett and Ethridge have been around since the town of Manteo was established. Danielle Puleo photo

On Saturday morning, September 14, the Manteo Cemetery Board held a dedication for the newly constructed Eventide Chapel in Manteo Cemetery. The service was led by Cemetery Board member Jamie Daniels.

Larry Franklin spoke on the history of the Manteo Cemetery. “A walk through this cemetery is like a walk through history,” he said.

The cemetery and Mount Olivet United Methodist Church are closely linked in their timelines and histories. The church was established in 1886, which was followed by the founding of what was then known as Mount Olivet Cemetery. Many of the founding members of the church are buried in the Manteo Cemetery.

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Manteo Cemetery holds the surnames of many current residents of the town of Manteo, including Wescott, Evans, Jones, Hooper, Mann, Midgett and more.

The Eventide Chapel was built to honor those whose legacy continues to thrive in the town of Manteo. It was named by Angel Khoury, who said, “I liked the name because it reminds me of the idea of equanimity, peacefulness and evenness.”

John Wilson, former Manteo mayor, and Bill Parker designed the chapel and chose the best landscape and colors that would represent the historic town. Wilson researched the original site plan for the cemetery so that the chapel would be historically accurate as well as authentic. The goal was to preserve the 120 years of history that came along with the cemetery while designing the Eventide Chapel.

Tommy Midgett provided music for the Sept. 14 service. Midgett grew up in Manteo and went to elementary school right next to the cemetery. He has been playing for the church for awhile and has family buried in the Manteo Cemetery.

The dedication of the Eventide Chapel was contributed to by all Cemetery Board members: Lynda Midgett, chair; Amy Crawford; Rodney Benson; Jamie Daniels; Christine Walker, commissioner; and David Twiford, ex-officio. Mayor Bobby Owens was also in attendance.

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