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Forrest Cemetery
The History of Forrest Cemetery
Forrest Cemetery dates back to 1872, Captain A.L. Woodliff selected the site, negotiated for its purchase, and began clearing away the timber at his own expense. His sons, George, James F. and Jeff cut the trees and prepared the 10-acre tract for the survey into burial lots. Captain Woodliff selected a site in the far western end of the city in the belief that the city would never grow out that far. Of course in years to come it has been surrounded by homes, churches, and schools. There are now approximately 40 acres of land available for graves.
Organization
Captain Woodliff organized Forrest Cemetery, incorporated it, and was chairman of the first board of trustees. The charter was secured in 1872, and was to continue 50 years. Under the charter the association sold lots for pecuniary gain and to provide a fund for upkeep.
In 1926, the trustees found that they had been operating for four years without a charter. On the advice of legal counsel, they asked that the property be transferred to the City of Gadsden. Everything would be turned over to the City of Gadsden “which shall at all times keep, care for and maintain the cemetery in proper condition, use the funds for improvements and upkeep and set up rules and regulations for operating.”
The first person to be buried in Forrest Cemetery was Captain Woodliff’s own daughter, Sallie Law Woodliff who was born Feb 4, 1871, and died July 13, 1872.
-by Doyle Johns from an article in “The Messenger” 4 March 1998
Ruth R. Cross Memorial Chapel
The Ruth R. Cross Memorial Chapel is one of the most beautiful, historic buildings in Gadsden. The chapel was built in 1935-36 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) which was organized during the Great Depression to provide jobs for the unemployed. Among these local projects were the Mort Glosser Amphitheater, Murphree Stadium, and other structures in the Mentone area.
The chapel was built of sandstone quarried from Lookout Mountain. The sandstone roof shingles, cut mostly by hand, are smaller at the top and increase in size as they descend down the roof. The interior walls and floor are also made of this cut sandstone with the cathedral ceiling being made of wood. The iron worked chandeliers and hinges were also locally made by blacksmith, Allison Christopher.
In 1960, in honor of her dedication to Forrest Cemetery the chapel was named, The Ruth R. Cross Memorial Chapel.
The chapel is regularly used for funerals and weddings.
Christmas Box Angel
The Christmas Box Angel Statue is dedicated to all parents who have lost a child. The statue was commissioned by Richard Paul Evans, author of "The Christmas Box," to help parents seeking a place to grieve.
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Forrest Cemetery
Physical Address
700 South 15th Street
Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone: 256-549-4693
Find A Grave
Some grave sites may be located at a web site called findagrave.com. Click on the website to be linked to Forrest Cemetery. Disclaimer: There is NO affiliation with Forrest Cemetery and Find A Grave.
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Jeffery Garrett
Cemetery SuperintendentPhone: 256-549-4693
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Carla Wilson
Therapeutic SpecialistPhone: 256-458-2116
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Julie Tucker
Coosa Landing ManagerPhone: 256-549-4677
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Belinda Brock
Facility ManagerPhone: 256-549-4740
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Barbara Kelley
Administration StaffPhone: 256-549-4680
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Christina Richardson
Noccalula Falls SupervisorPhone: 256-549-4663
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Jen Weathington
DirectorPhone: Ph: (256) 549-4680
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Kevin Kilgro
Field Crew ManagerPhone: 256-549-4709
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Larry Howard
Complex ManagerPhone: 256-549-4710
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Scott Elkins
Facilites SupervisorPhone:
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Jennifer Gipson
Administration OfficePhone: 256-549-4680
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Janet Tarrance
Event SupervisorPhone: 256-549-4658
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Diane Short
SupervisorPhone: 256-549-4833
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Durell Richardson
Athletic SupervisorPhone: 256-490-0240
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Noccalula Falls Park and Campground
Physical Address
1500 Noccalula Road
Gadsden, AL 35901
Mailing Address
Gadsden, AL 35999
Phone: 256-549-4663