The Cemetery - View of the Village Heart

There are 4 types of cemeteries in Austin

1. 'On the farm' cemeteries. Originating from New England, Anglo-Protestant pioneers first chose their own land (on the farm, at home) as a burial place for themselves, their spouses, and their children;

2. Family cemeteries. In some cases, 'on the farm' cemeteries accommodate not only the immediate family but also, for a few generations, relatives living nearby. When mentioned, death records use the term Cemetery;

3. Community cemeteries. Some cemeteries accommodate families linked by marriage and will gradually become the two community cemeteries in Austin. These cemeteries will be multidenominational;

4. Catholic cemeteries. With the arrival of French-Canadian Catholics, cemeteries strictly governed by the Catholic Church appeared, such as the one located along Nicholas-Austin Road, where you are.

Most immigrants to Austin are Christians who believe in the resurrection of the dead. The Catholic cemetery here dates back to the arrival of French-Canadian Catholics, reflecting a tradition that views burial grounds as symbolic gateways from earthly life to eternal life.

Cemeteries are rich in symbolism. They are often situated on elevated, sloping terrain to prevent moisture accumulation, with carefully chosen vistas overlooking Lake Memphremagog or the surrounding mountains. Mature trees such as pines and maples provide shade, while periwinkles—associated with eternal rest—are sometimes planted to evoke the peacefulness of sleep.

We are on the edge of the Austin Catholic Cemetery, along Nicholas-Austin Road. The Austin cemeteries are the best-preserved artifacts of our history. The most striking aspect of the Austin cemeteries is certainly their large number: there are about fifteen in the area.

We are standing on Nicholas-Austin Road, next to the Austin Catholic Cemetery, one of the most historically significant sites of the territory. Austin is home to approximately fifteen cemeteries, making them among the best-preserved historical landmarks in the municipality. Their abundance reflects the deep-rooted heritage and diverse cultural fabric of the community.

Looking toward the village, you’ll see a picturesque view of Austin’s historic downtown, framed by the majestic Northern Green Mountains. 

This area was originally known as Peasley's Corner, named after Moses Peasley, an early settler who cleared nearby land during the founding of Bolton Township. The term “Corner” highlights the importance of this intersection in the early development of the region.

At the heart of the village stands the church, a prominent heritage building that has served as a place of worship for over 150 years—first Anglican, then Catholic. It reflects the religious and cultural diversity of Austin’s population throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. In 2022, the Municipality acquired the church to preserve its legacy and repurpose it as a cultural and community gathering space.

Flanking the old church are two commemorative parks: Reginald-Aubrey-Fessenden Park, honouring the prolific inventor who pioneered telecommunications and wireless telephony; and Muriel-Ball-Duckworth Park, dedicated to a renowned pacifist, feminist, and community activist, who is also a descendant of Nicholas Austin. You can learn more about these influential figures through interpretive panels and resources available on the municipal website.

The surrounding landscape tells a story of transformation. Once dominated by agriculture and livestock farming, the land has gradually been reclaimed by forest, residential development, plantation of tall maple trees and a spruce plantation that now obscures the view of the Abbey of Saint-Benoît-du-Lac. All illustrating how individual land-use decisions continue to shape and influence the visual character of the region.