Holy Trinity Cemetery
Set on a flat terrain overlooking Patricia Bay, historic Holy Trinity Cemetery is a picturesque burial ground. It is situated at the junction of Mills and West Saanich Road, immediately surrounding Holy Trinity Church. The Holy Trinity Cemetery is the only European cemetery in North Saanich and is linked with the development of Holy Trinity Church and the pioneer community of North Saanich. The cemetery is situated on land donated to the church by local farmer, George Mills (1835-1888) who was the first resident to be buried on the grounds. Noted pioneers buried here include William Towner (1840-1925), Richard John (died 1892) and Alice Horth (née Wain, 1858-1945). Members of the Canadian Forces, the RCMP and various other military organizations are also resting here.
Holy Trinity Cemetery also features many decorative and unique monuments and headstones, in materials such as sandstone, granite and marble that capture the fundamental nature for its origins as a picturesque Victorian cemetery. Additionally, two trees, an English Oak from Windsor Great Park and a Scots Pine from Kew Gardens, London were planted to mark the coronation of King George VI in 1937.
Holy Trinity Cemetery also features many decorative and unique monuments and headstones, in materials such as sandstone, granite and marble that capture the fundamental nature for its origins as a picturesque Victorian cemetery. Additionally, two trees, an English Oak from Windsor Great Park and a Scots Pine from Kew Gardens, London were planted to mark the coronation of King George VI in 1937.
Character Defining Elements
- Open expanse of lawn with traditional Victorian cemetery planting such as flowering plum and cherry trees, Garry Oak, English Oak, American Elm, Copper Beech, Birch and Coulter Pine;
- Commemorative plantings: Royal English Oak and a Scots Pine planted in 1937;
- Gravestone materials: carved granite, sandstone and marble;
- Gravestone styles: shouldered and domed headstones and flat plaques and slate-faced markers and column types such as obelisks;
- Gravestone symbols: epitaphs, religious and plant/floral motifs.
