History
Opened in 1843 to provide a burial ground for the Catholic parishioners of Charlottetown, this cemetery was closed 40 years later in 1883. While the names and tombstones of many early Irish, French and Scottish Charlottetown citizens have been lost over time, the cemetery remains an important part of Prince Edward Island sacred and secular history and our heritage.
It is the cemetery committee’s goal to recognize this history more formally and to further dignify the final resting place of some of our ancestors.
Edward Whelen, Father of Confederation
Edward Whelan
Born in 1824 in County Mayo, Ireland, Edward Whelan immigrated to Halifax at a young age with his mother and at age 19 moved to Charlottetown, PEI, to begin his career as a journalist.
He was elected as a representative for St Peter’s and remained in this position for 21 years. During his political career, he became noted as a gifted orator and an advocate for responsible government. He was one of PEI’s delegates to the Quebec Conference and is best remembered as one of the Fathers of Confederation.
Today, his resting place has been marked and recognized by the Heritage Sites and Monuments Board.
The Great Hunger
This cemetery is the final resting place of many who died during or shortly after coming from Ireland in 1847. In their memory, the Benevolent Irish Society of P.E.I. erected a memorial in 2008 which reads:
The Great Hunger Memorial
Fleeing famine, economic, political, and cultural oppression, 444 Irish people left Liverpool on the barque, “The Lady Constable.” During the Atlantic crossing 25 people died. The ship arrived in Charlottetown Harbour on 21 May 1847. Up to 30 people died after the ship’s arrival and are buried in unmarked graves in this cemetery. Rest in peace. They are unnamed but not forgotten. In their memory, and in memory of the millions of Irish who died of hunger and disease during “an gorta mor.” This memorial is erected by the Benevolent Irish Society of P.E.I., A.D. 2008.
Cemetery Committee
Cemetery Restoration Committee
This dedicated committee will be overseeing the cemetery restoration project. From the left there is Michael Le Clair, Brian McKenna, Fr. Charlie Cheverie, Maurene Garrity, Bev Kelly, Phillip Brown. Tony Dolan is missing from the photo.
Restoration Appeal Campaign
We are looking for your financial assistance to restore the historic Longworth Avenue Cemetery. Please consider donating today.
Note: Tax receipts are available.
Online
You can donate online using PayPal (see the link in the blue box to the top right of this page).
You can mail a cheque made out to “Diocese of Charlottetown” to:
Diocese of Charlottetown
P.O. Box 907
Charlottetown, P.E.I. C1A 7L9
Please put “Charlottetown Cemetery Restoration” on the memo line.
In Person
You can drop your cheque off in person at the offices of the Diocese of Charlottetown. We cannot accept cash, debit or credit cards in person. If you would like to donate by credit card, please consider giving online.