Cemetery board member Brad Finch provided historical ambiance during Elmwood Cemetery’s annual picnic fundraiser | Photo by Dorri Partain

Dorri Partain

Managing Editor

Once nestled on the outskirts of Kansas City, the serene setting of Elmwood Cemetery (4900 E. Truman Rd) now is surrounded by businesses and zooming traffic.

Founded in 1872, the grounds were sculpted following the designs of noted landscape architect, George E. Kessler. Monuments — both grand and barely noticeable — fill this cemetery’s 43 acres, including the Kirkland B. Armour Chapel built in 1902.

While the entire cemetery is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, this cut limestone Gothic-styled structure has been the center-focus for restoration. Led by efforts through the Elmwood Cemetery Society — a registered nonprofit organization of volunteers — funding for major repairs was acquired through a combination of donations from individuals and charitable trusts.

Simon Abrahms, president of the cemetery’s board, stated the restoration cost of $150,000 was funded mostly through the Prince Charitable Trust. Trustee Diana Prince is the great-granddaughter of Armour (1854- 1901), who was president of Elmwood at the time of his death, as well as part owner of the Armour Meat Packing company.

To better serve the community and cemetery needs, chapel repairs included a new roof and an ADA compliant restroom and entrance. Roof leaks had compromised the interior plaster of the chapel’s bell tower and a restroom addition from several decades ago. Work began last spring to demolish a previous addition and rebuild on the same foundation footprint with all new plumbing and fixtures. A handicap-accessible entrance provides both access to the chapel and restrooms.

In addition to funerals, the chapel is available for intimate weddings, baptisms, and community events by reservation. The cemetery society uses the chapel for their own fund-raising events, such as their annual picnic. This year’s picnic was held on Sunday, Oct. 6, with 135 attendees enjoying a catered lunch, cemetery tours and live music performances in the chapel.

In October 2022, the cemetery board began working with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to identify the number and status of trees on the property. During the survey, three trees — a cucumber magnolia, a tulip tree and a catalpa — were given Champion tree status based on the diameter, crown spread and height. Last year, following the survey, the cemetery was declared a Level 1 Arboretum through MDC’s Community Forestry Program.

To complement the 48 unique tree species identified, MDC staff and cemetery volunteers have begun planting seedlings of native Missouri species. Molly Gosnell, an arborist contracted through MDC, has selected seedlings that include short leaf pine, pecan and serviceberry and determined best locations for each.  To ensure these developing tree’s root systems won’t interfere with gravesites, cemetery board vice-president John Weilert uses cemetery maps to locate century-old pathways that were developed and no gravesites plotted. They have planted Approximately 20 trees this fall.

Upcoming events at Elmwood Cemetery include both fundraising and educational activities. On Saturday, Oct. 26, the Graveyard 5K will take costumed runners along the paved roadways that wind through. Sponsored by KC Crew running club, up to 40% of the event’s entry fee will be pledged to the cemetery for maintenance and repair projects.

Missouri Department of Conservation arborists will lead a one-hour tour to showcase the cemetery’s unique and Champion trees on Saturday, Nov. 3, beginning at 10 a.m.

For more information about these upcoming events, chapel rental, cemetery tours and more visit elmwoodcemeterykc.org or call 816-945-4900.