Since 1772, the Old Presbyterian Meeting House (OPMH) has been an integral part of the city of Alexandria, providing spiritual care and outreach to residents of Alexandria and the surrounding area.

The Meeting House has two cemeteries. The churchyard is the oldest, and it contains several historical graves, including that of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolutionary War.

In 1809, after the Alexandria city council banned burials within the city limits, the "new" Presbyterian Cemetery was founded on Hamilton Lane, near the southern edge of the City of Alexandria. This cemetery is in use today.

In its nearly two centuries, a cross-section of Alexandrians has come to be buried here -– including merchants, ship captains, clergy, veterans of the American Revolution and of the Civil War from both North and South, a half-dozen of Alexandria’s mayors, numerous members of the city’s governing council, and at least one member of the U. S. House of Representatives.

The Presbyterian Cemetery is a beautiful locale, providing church members and the wider community with a serene final resting place. Although close to the main thoroughfares of Route 1 and I-495, it is sufficiently removed from the activity of the city to maintain its peacefulness.

To reach the cemetery from Duke Street go south on Route 1, turn west on Wilkes Street, and proceed until you see the sign for the Presbyterian Cemetery at Hamilton Lane. Turn left on Hamilton. The cemetery will be a short distance on your right. Click for a map and driving directions.

Although the cemetery houses thousands of plots, the increasing demand for cremations has prompted the construction of a columbarium of granite and limestone, which should be completed in early 2008.

The Presbyterian Cemetery is overseen by a board comprised of Meeting House members. Robert Sennewald serves as president of the board. Robert Ellis is the Cemetery Superintendent. The Board manages the cemetery carefully, ensuring the preservation of this treasured property and developing it in keeping with its surroundings.

To learn more about the Presbyterian Cemetery or the new columbarium, please contact Robert Ellis, Cemetery Superintendent, at (703) 626-0879 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Additional information about the site, including cost and purchasing details, is available on request.