Alleghany County Cemetery Land Conveyance

Clifton Forge, Virginia

Thursday, December 11, 2008

          I am pleased to be with you this morning on this occasion to formally transfer land from the U. S. Forest Service to the Central Advent Christian Church.  The land being conveyed is a 6.08 acre tract which contains a cemetery that is currently operated by the Church.

Last year, I was approached by Buck Rumpf, one of the Trustees for the Church.  Buck explained to me the history of the cemetery and the Church's effort to obtain the 6.08 acre tract of land from the Forest Service.  The federal government purchased the land containing the cemetery in the 1930's as part of a larger 214 acre tract.  The cemetery was originally developed in 1941 on both private land and the 6.08 acres from the U. S. Forest Service.  The Church has operated the cemetery since 1941 under a Special Use Permit from the U. S. Forest Service.

          As far back as 40 years ago, the Church has attempted to purchase the cemetery property from the Forest Service; however, the resources necessary to purchase the property at present market value have not been available.  Given the facts that the property has much more value to the Church than to the Forest Service, the property can not be used for any other purpose, the cemetery requires upkeep and maintenance which the Forest Service is not in a position to provide, and the property is a liability for the Forest Service, it was clear to me the need for federal legislation to transfer the cemetery property from the Forest Service to the Church.  After my conversation with Buck, I introduced legislation in the House of Representatives to transfer the property, and I am pleased to report that the legislation was approved by the Congress and enacted into law earlier this year.

          Today's event formally transfers the deed for the 6.08 acres of land from the U. S. Forest Service to the Central Advent Christian Church.  

          There are some individuals with us today that I would like to recognize for their efforts on this deed transfer. 

          First I would like to recognize Trustees for the Central Advent Christian Church.  The Trustees have made a commitment to the community and the loved ones of those buried in the cemetery that it will be maintained for future generations.

          I would also like to recognize Maureen Hyzer, Forest Supervisor for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.  Maureen has worked with other Forest Service officials to complete the necessary paperwork to transfer the deed for the property in a timely manner.

          The land transfer we are celebrating today is an example of what can be achieved when citizen and government officials work together in the aid of a common purpose.