Since 2012, a group of volunteers, the Stony Crest Cemetery Restoration Committee, has worked to restore the Mennonite burial ground near Sonningdale to honourable condition for those resting there.
Recently, says Rob Glendinning of Saskatoon, to the group’s dismay and disappointment, the outhouse purchased for more than $500 and placed there a number of years ago, has been stolen.
“I would like to bring this to the attention of your readers, in hopes that something may be done about it,” Glendinning stated in an email to the News-Optimist.
The outhouse installation was part of a work bee July 7, 2013, when a large delegation of workers descended upon Stoney Crest Cemetery.
It was a lovely summer day, says Glendinning, and much work was done. Harold Guenther brought a tractor for the heavy work.
After the graves had been clearly marked with study stakes at the head of each, the tractor bucket was used to level the uneven ground, removing stumps and debris.
Others raked and picked up underbrush, rocks and roots.
The bright blue toilet was painted brown to blend into the scenic setting, although since then it has experienced peeling from the weather.
In addition to Glendinning and Guenther, other volunteers were Linda Glendinning, Anna Wiebe, Stan and Maryanne Braaten, Jim and Martie Wiebe, Don and Dorothy Thiessen, Anne and Leonard Domes and Geoff and Nettie Lockhart.
The committee has reported the disappearance of the portable toilet to the Biggar RCMP and hopes the public will report any information they may have to RCMP as well.
