St. Johnland Cemetery

A Brief History: St. Johnland Cemetery is located in Kings Park NY between the Sunken Meadow State Park and the St. Johnland nursing center. St. Johnland was founded in 1866 by William Augustus Muhlenburg who was a famous Episcopal minister who was already in charge of St. Luke’s Hospital and the Holy Church of Communion in New York City. He Purchased 500 acres of land around the wooded area of what is now Kings Park New York. Anne Ayres helped raise the money to purchase the land with Muhlenberg. Anne became an Episcopal nun after hearing Muhlenburg speak. Their dream was to establish an area where needy families, handicap children, and impoverished men could get out of the busy New York City and be cared for in a safe and nurturing environment. St. Johnland Cemetery was created specifically for this small community as a way for those who passed on, to continue to relax in nature. In 1870 the Society of St. Johnland became a non-profit organization recognized by New York State. In 1877, William A. Muhlenburg passed away and was buried in St. Johnland Cemetery and in 1896 Anne Ayres passed away also being buried in St. Johnland Cemetery. Today there is no direct trail into the cemetery or upkeep leaving the place to nature making it very difficult to spot and therefore it is very rarely visited.

Haunted History: It is said that William and Anne possibly still haunt the grounds, happy that the area they purchased is still being used to care for the needy. There have also been claims of shadow people as well as a white mist that travels along the tops of the trees and disappears.