Preston Bend Cemetery Association Meeting 2024

 

The Preston Bend Cemetery Association held its 68th meeting at Preston Bend Cemetery on Sunday, Fathers’ Day, June 16, 2024.  There were 31 people in attendance.

The meeting was called to order at 10:21 by President, Jessica Adams.

The Pledge to the United States Flag was led by Benton Helm, Boy Scout from Troop 605.

An opening prayer was led by Steve Lindsey.

Last year’s minutes were read by the secretary, Morgan Helm.

A motion was made to approve the minutes by Travis Helm and seconded by Stanley Thomas. Minutes were approved.

Virginia Thompson, Treasurer, gave the financial report. She explained recent expenses and donations in detail. Virginia reiterated that donations and expenses do not include money received from burials because that number fluctuates from year to year.  There were no questions.

A motion to accept the financial report was made by JoNell Helm, seconded by Jordan North, with all in favor.  The financial report was approved.

Jessica presented a list of current board members and thanked the board members and officers for meeting regularly throughout the year to share ideas and maintain the history and serene beauty of the cemetery.

Jessica presented those in attendance with goals that have been met, including enlarging the board, setting a budget, resetting/repairing headstones and monuments, drafting and filing a survey, and revising the Rules of Operation.

Jessica explained and offered a viewing of the updated and revised Rules of Operations. She informed those in attendance that this document has not been updated since 2008. The revisions include raising membership fees and reservation fees for burial spaces and limiting membership to residents who lived in the community prior to 2025. Clifford Helm made a motion to accept and adopt the changes to the Rules of Operations, seconded by Daniel Helm, none opposed. The rules and updated fees are effective immediately.

Jessica spoke on behalf of Trey Mullenhour, our current contracted lawn maintenance provider. He continues to keep the cemetery in great condition, mowing, picking up limbs, and burning brush and leaves when needed. Due to other commitments, Trey is requesting to continue providing maintenance without a contract. A motion to keep Trey providing care to the cemetery without a contract was made by Clifford Helm, seconded by Jordan North. All in favor.

Jessica reminded those in attendance that donations can be designated according to specific interests.

New business includes work being done with the State of Texas Historical Commission to move one or two historical markers in the cemetery for better viewing. Sophia Porter Marker # 7421 and Site of Trading Post of Holland Coffee Marker #7349 are both located at the Preston Bend Cemetery but are almost hidden by overgrowth and not in easily viewable areas. Permission to move markers must be filed and approved by the state with 3 signatures, almost complete. PBCA will be responsible for any costs associated with this. JoNell Helm made a motion to explore the cost associated with moving the markers, seconded by Teresa. No objections to moving the monuments.

Jessica explained that per board’s approval 3 combination locks have been added to the vehicular gates to prevent traffic through the cemetery.

Jessica presented feedback from grave-digging contractors regarding the need for graveling the area outside of the gate. No comments or suggestions were made regarding this. Repairs to the bent gate to the main entrance are coming soon.

Jessica opened it up to comments from the association and board members. Lois Riggs noted that this is the first year ever to have the reunion without music and the absence of Betty Ruth Jones (100 years old) who is home recovering from surgery.

Virginia Thompson, historian/treasurer, suggested adding BillionGraves app on your phone when exploring the cemetery as it gives you GPS coordinates and 738 photos of headstones that have been uploaded by Virginia. Also, all names of those buried in the cemetery are listed on the Preston Bend Cemetery website.

Special Recognition/Gift Certificates:

Burials: Ruby Carender, Carolyn Weems, Anthony Gawrych, Todd Anthony Byler, Melba Self, Johnnie Spencer II, David Mollenhour (member, buried elsewhere), Mindy Burk, Charlotte Asbury, Patsy Ruth Clayton, Daryl Lynn Sartor, Margaret Thomas, Robert Paul Thompson ``````````````````(memorial bench)

Oldest Man- Benton Helm (90); Oldest Woman- Gladys Helm (86); Youngest Child- Molly Helm (4 years); Most Children present- Dustin and Andrea Helm (4); and Farthest Traveled- Jordan North (Plano, Tx)

Door Prize Winners: Connor Helm, Gaitlin Helm, Jasper Helm, Jordan North, Teresa Manning, Brian Adams, Dustin Helm

Jonell made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Virginia Thompson. The meeting was adjourned at 11:13 following a pray

Morgan Helm/ Secretary

 

Donations collected $1,352