Since 1838 this hallowed ground has served the residents of the Orrs Island community.
The Orr’s Island Cemetery
The Cemetery was founded in 1838 by Deacon William and Frances Orr. As a private cemetery established before 1880, it is defined under Maine law as an “ancient burying ground”. (M.R.S.A. Title 13, Chapter 83:§1101-A)
The Cemetery is located adjacent to the Orr’s Island Meeting House, 1579 Harpswell Islands Road, Orr’s Island.
It consists of five burial sections, a proposed future section, and a non-burial, open-space parcel. Total land area is 3.5 acres.
The Cemetery is owned by the Orr’s Island Cemetery Association, Inc., a Maine non-profit corporation without capital. It was organized on September 23, 1948 by Island residents to provide a legal entity to own and manage existing and future cemetery lands for the benefit of Association members. The Association is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(13) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Membership in the Association is a prerequisite to purchasing burial rights and subject to the eligibility provisions set forth in Association Bylaws and, in all instances, by a vote of its Trustees.
Briefly summarized, those eligible for membership include:
• Year-round Island residents, minimum of two years.
• Non-residents with long heritage ties to the Island.
• Seasonal residents, minimum 4 years.
• Military veterans, residents of the Town.
• Special and hardship situations.
The Cemetery is managed by its elected officers under the general supervision of Association trustees.
Maintain an attractive final resting place for residents and others with strong heritage ties to Orr's Island for generations to come.
