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Gravestones hold important examples of historical art and language, in addition to providing biographies of local residents. There are many different styles of grave markers represented in the cemetery. Many early family plots are marked by monuments with smaller tablets for individual graves. There are also un-inscribed fieldstones, obelisks, and boxed stones in the earlier sections.
Jerusalem Western Salisbury is a public cemetery, which is governed by Jerusalem Western Salisbury Church and dates back to the 1740s. Immigrants from Germany made their way to this area of eastern Pennsylvania and settled here. Many farmed the surrounding fertile areas, and on the tombstones one can read many Pennsylvania Dutch names. In addition, many Revolutionary War soldiers and Native Americans are buried on these grounds. Every year a Memorial Parade and Service is held in honor of our country's service men and women. Many families' research for genealogical information brings them here annually.
In 1741 a log building was the first church built. It was referred to as "Schmaltzgass Church," "the Little Lehigh Church," or the "Maguntsche Church (Macungie Church)," and served the Lutheran and Reformed families in this area. Today it continues as a shared ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran and United Church of Christ faiths.
The oldest burials dating from the 1700's and early 1800's are in the Old Section immediately next to the church in an area shaded by many large evergreen trees and populated with many Revolutionary War and War of 1812 veterans. A large stone monument was erected for the Native Americans buried in the cemetery in the 1700's. Grave markers in this section face east-north-east.
The newer sections are across the road from the church. Generally speaking the older burials are nearest the church while the newer burials are the farthest. With some exceptions grave markers in the newer sections face both east and west, very often randomly and within the same row.
Also known as Western Salisbury Cemetery
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