In
1870, Gottlieb F. Burkhardt, a German immigrant and wealthy Boston brewer, purchased the Brook Farm property, and in 1871
formed a corporation called the “Association of the Evangelical Lutheran Church for Works of Mercy”.
He did this to provide a temporary home for orphan children and aged, weak and helpless persons, and to establish a
cemetery. The cemetery was laid out and officially named Gethsemane Cemetery in March of 1873.
From it's inception,
the cemetery has been (and remains) non-sectarian, and has no religious or residential requirements for lot owners and families.
Through the end of the 19th century and into the beginning of the 20th, there were many happenings on the property which can
be seen in a historical timeline by clicking the link below (Microsoft Word document).
click here to download file
In 1953, Ralph Moeller became Business Manager of the cemetery and Assistant Treasurer of the association.
In 1956, Gethsemane Cemetery Corporation was formed as a subsidiary with Mr. Moeller as it’s Manager, and at
this time daily operations of the cemetery were separated from the “Works of Mercy” program.
In the fall of 2002,
Alan J. MacKinnon,CCE & current President, formed a non-profit organization and privately purchased the cemetery from the Lutheran Social
Services of New England (formerly the Works of Mercy Association). Mr.
MacKinnon started his cemetery career at Gethsemane Cemetery in West Roxbury 22 years ago, first as grounds foreman for
5 ½ years, then as general manager for 7 years. He is designated as a Certified Cemetery
Executive and a graduate of the International Cemetery Cremation and Funeral Association University (the only cemetarian
in Boston and one of three in the entire state of Massachusetts) and has served as Secretary/Treasurer on the board of the
Massachusetts Cemetery Association.
A Message from The President
Alan J. MacKinnon, CCE Certified Cemetery Executive
When I think about my
ministry here at The Gardens, I have to thank God for allowing me the opportunity to help people at one of the most vulnerable
times in their lives. In the early years at the cemetery, I questioned God about his choice for my career.
I told him I could be a dentist, a builder, or even a landscaper. But are you serious God, work at a cemetery?
Over time I began to see how important it was for someone like me, who loves every human being, to be here to help families
when they lose a loved one. Please believe me when I say that I sincerely pledge the following to you:
I will care for you and your
loved ones for as long as I shall live.
The family member you have entrusted in our care will be treated with the utmost respect.
You and your loved one are
part of our family here at The Gardens.
We love you and will be here for you.
We will continue to pray for God's Mercy and Blessings as you grieve.
We will assist you in any way we can with the transition to
building a healthy way of life after your loss.
Caring Forever,
Alan J. MacKinnon, CCE
