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”. 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. 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.
