Rev. J. W. Irwin Memorial, 1948, Tennille

Rev. J. W. Irwin (?-11 January 1948), Women Missionary Society Cemetery, aka Tennille Colored Cemetery

In an historic African-American cemetery characterized by many sunken graves and damaged markers, the headstone of Rev. J. W. Irwin stands out as a vernacular masterpiece. It’s one of the most unique handmade memorials I’ve encountered anywhere. The poured concrete stone is pierced by four holes, roughly representing the shape of a cross. Rev. Irwin’s name and date of death are handwritten on the surface. I hope to learn more about Rev. Irwin.

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