Jul 04, 2008 - 04:58 PM

By Chris Hall

PRINCE ALBERT - Dozens of headstones toppled as part of a massive destruction spree through the historic and sprawling Pine Grove Cemetery in Prince Albert are now back in place, some chipped and damaged, but all back where they belong.

It was sometime during the late hours of last Friday evening and early Saturday morning that vandals took a self-guided tour through the large cemetery, tipping over and tumbling dozens of stone monuments, breaking off crosses and statues and simply leaving a trail of destruction in their path through Scugog's largest cemetery. The vandalism occurred just two days before the annual 'Decoration Day' service, which was scheduled for Sunday.

According to officials with the cemetery board, the final tally was damage to 79 stones and markers within the borders of Scugog's oldest cemetery. While officially designated as a final resting place in 1862, many of Scugog's first settlers were buried there long before then. Today, it's estimated that as many as 2,300 people have been interred there.

"There was a lot of damage... that was a massive bit of vandalism," said Alex Williamson, who serves as president of the Pine Grove Cemetery board.

However, the anger, frustration and sadness felt throughout the community and those charged with overseeing the cemetery was lightened somewhat on Tuesday when a handful of high school students joined together with an Orillia business to right a hefty wrong.

In total, 10 high school-aged students from across Ontario and United States based out of the Hope Christian Reformed Church in Prince Albert chipped in to aid Sanderson Monument Company employees on Canada Day where the day was spent up-ending fallen stones.

"We heard what had happened and we had an opening available on Tuesday and we thought, 'Well, we've got the kids available' and that's something we thought they could use a hand with," said Adelaide DeKoning, a worksite co-ordinator with the church's SERVE Project.

"It's kind of a sad thing. Kids are kids, but they're not all bad apples," she said. "The theme for this year is to 'Right The Wrong', so we thought this was very fitting, an opportunity for us to right something that had gone wrong."

For three hours or so, the students went around and chipped off the plaster and mortar that held the headstones to the base. Right behind them were officials with Sanderson Monuments who, with cranes and other heavy-lifting equipment, returned the stones back in place. The students then went back around in some spots to scrub the monuments which were left caked in mud after being forced to the ground.

"It was nice for our kids to be involved and to help right a wrong," said Mary Lou Molenaar, another worksite co-ordinator.

For Don Sanderson, who sent a crew of five employees to the cemetery on Tuesday, the repair work was unfortunate part of the job, but a service that had to be carried out. In total, he said, his crews and the students "stood up" all 79 fallen tombstones and then resealed them in place.

There was "very little" actual damage to the stones other then the fact they were up-ended, besides the odd chip here and there, said Mr. Sanderson.â?¨ But, he continued, "it was very devastating for the community."

As for getting paid for his company's good deed, Mr. Sanderson said he will submit an invoice to cemetery officials, but doesn't expect to get paid unless authorities nab those responsible and they're convicted.

"I don't anticipate getting paid, it's just our way of being part of the community... and giving back to a community that has supported us," he said.

And while cash may not trade hands between Mr. Sanderson's company and the cemetery board, Mr. Williamson was quick to applaud the efforts of both the student and adult work crews.

"It was fantastic," he said of the volunteer work. "On behalf of the (cemetery) board, we truly appreciate the efforts of the young people and Sanderson Monuments."

He also singled out the students for a special round of applause.

"There was a bunch of people who knocked the hell out of everything, but then a bunch of kids helped with the repairs. It was truly appreciated," said Mr. Williamson.

Durham police are continuing to investigate the vandalism. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact authorities at 905-579-1520, extension 2672.