On October 19, 2025, Nine Ships 1825 will host a special Blessing Ceremony at St. Peter’s Cemetery to honour more than 200 of Peterborough’s earliest settlers. Many were Peter Robinson emigrants and other pioneers whose remains were reburied in a mass grave over 160 years ago—without markers or recognition until now.

The new Settlers Monument, a pink granite fieldstone adorned with copper artwork by local artist Garrett Gilbert, symbolizes both the resilience of the emigrants and the journeys that brought them here. The blessing, led by Father Tom Lynch, will finally provide long-overdue tribute to the men, women, and children who helped lay the foundation of the Peterborough community.

The ceremony is open to the public and will be followed by a reception at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

Please see the full media release below:

Media Release – September 29, 2025

Nine Ships 1825 to host Blessing Ceremony of New Monument at St. Peter’s Cemetery 

to Honour Over 200 of Peterborough’s Early Settlers.

Peterborough, ON – On Sunday, October 19^th at 2:00 PM, a special blessing ceremony hosted by Nine Ships 1825 will be held at St. Peter’s Cemetery (870 High Street, Peterborough) to honour more than 200 early settlers whose remains were laid to rest in a mass grave, with no markers or recognition—until now.

Father Tom Lynch will perform the Blessing of the Settlers Monument, a newly installed tribute to the men, women, and children who helped build Peterborough but were buried anonymously over a century ago.

The monument—a single pink granite erratic fieldstone sourced from a local Peterborough County farm—symbolizes the difficult journeys of the early pioneers. Shaped by the elements and finally coming to rest, the stone represents the resilience and perseverance of those who carved lives out of the wilderness. The monument is adorned with custom copper artwork by local artist Garrett Gilbert, depicting a pioneer shanty, farmland, and oak leaves.

This monument finally gives long-overdue recognition to the individuals who formed the foundation of our community. Many were Peter Robinson settlers and other immigrants who traveled thousands of miles to build a new life in Canada. They deserve to be remembered

Historical Background

In 1854, the original Peterborough Burial Grounds (now Confederation Park) were closed. Roman Catholic burials were temporarily moved to St. Mary’s Cemetery which was the Catholic section of Little Lake Cemetery. When St. Peter’s Cemetery opened in 1859, many unidentified remains were transferred from St. Mary’s Cemetery and interred in a mass grave. Additional remains were reburied there in 1907, after being uncovered during construction of the Peterborough Armoury and other nearby developments.

Now, 166 years later, these pioneers are finally getting the recognition they deserve.

Public Welcome

The community is warmly invited to attend the Blessing Ceremony on October 19^th at 2:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Cemetery.  A reception will follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 317 Hunter Street West, Peterborough.

For more information, please contact:
Nine Ships 1825   
                                          -30-

The inscription reads:

This fieldstone stands in silent tribute to the courage and hard work of the Irish settlers who made this community their new home.

They hoped to build a promising future for their families and those who would follow.

Their remains were formerly interred in the Peterborough Burial Ground, now Confederation Park.

May they rest in peace here, beside their Scottish and English friends, knowing that their incredible legacy has been fulfilled. 

Dedicated in 2025 by Nine Ships 1825 Inc.

Please feel free to share the following:

Community Events Notice – September 29, 2025

Sunday, October 19^th at 2:00 PM, a special blessing ceremony hosted by Nine Ships 1825 will be held at St. Peter’s Cemetery (870 High Street, Peterborough) to honour more than 200 early settlers whose remains were laid to rest in a mass grave, with no markers or recognition—until now.

Father Tom Lynch will perform the Blessing of the Settlers Monument, a newly installed tribute to the men, women, and children who helped build Peterborough but were buried anonymously over a century 

Many were Peter Robinson settlers and other immigrants who traveled thousands of miles to build a new life in Canada. 

The community is warmly invited to attend the Blessing Ceremony on October 19^th at 2:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Cemetery.  A reception will follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 317 Hunter Street West, Peterborough.

For more information, please contact:
Nine Ships 1825