In Southwest Philadelphia, the once-grand Mount Moriah Cemetery now sits in a state of neglect, slowly being reclaimed by the surrounding forest. Established in 1855, the cemetery once boasted an elaborate Romanesque entrance and gothic mausoleums that rivaled renowned cemeteries like Greenwood in Brooklyn and the famous Père Lachaise in Paris. Expanding to encompass nearly 400 acres over time, it became Pennsylvania’s largest burial ground.
The Mount Moriah Cemetery in Southwest Philadelphia is uniquely peculiar in that it currently has no owner. When the last member of the original governing Mount Moriah Cemetery Association passed away about a decade ago, the cemetery was left abandoned and neglected. Today, it remains relatively obscure, with its grand brick entrance crumbling, headstones and monuments fallen, and the surrounding forest slowly taking back the land. The once-majestic mausoleums, where some of Philadelphia’s wealthiest Victorian figures were laid to rest, now stand as haunting relics, adding to the eerie and forgotten aura of the site.
The local non-profit group, Friends Of Mount Moriah, is bravely tackling the daunting challenge of reclaiming Mount Moriah Cemetery from the relentless grip of nature. Despite facing vast stretches of land and limited resources, their efforts focus on clearing weeds and establishing pathways amidst the overgrown and neglected cemetery. However, the task is nothing short of monumental. A visit to Mount Moriah today might evoke a sense more akin to exploring the ruins of an ancient Greek city than the intended final resting place for thousands of Pennsylvania families. Preserving the cemetery’s rich history and honoring those laid to rest within its grounds remains an uphill battle against the inexorable forces of time and neglect.
It’s heartening to hear that significant progress has been made in the restoration efforts at Mount Moriah Cemetery as of May 2022. With approximately 60-70% of the cemetery now accessible for visitation, the dedicated work of organizations and volunteers underscores a strong commitment to preserving this important historical site. Visitors can now explore a substantial portion of the cemetery and delve into its rich heritage, thanks to these ongoing efforts.