Mount Hermon Cemetery

Mount Hermon Cemetery is a very great example of a small rural cemetery. It is characterized by uneven topography and a naturalistic landscape of many perspectives laid out in a picturesque manner, curvilinear roads and islets of irregular curved shapes and differing sizes, many trees, and in particular by an outstanding view of the St. Lawrence River. The lofty views of the river from both the centre of the cemetery and from directly above the cliff tops convey a sublime effect that enhances the site’s picturesque qualities. Some of the trees are well over a century old and represent rare species. Established in 1848 for the burial of the various Protestant denominations of the city of Québec and its suburbs, Mount Hermon is located in Sillery, formerly an independent suburb of the city.   

Rural cemeteries were first established in the 19th century in reaction to the unsanitary and overcrowded conditions of urban cemeteries, which were traditionally located on church grounds within city limits. The decision to locate cemeteries in rural settings outside city boundaries was motivated by a desire to offer greater respect to the deceased through secure, well-spaced graves and attractive funerary monuments, and also by offering comfort to the living through the creation of naturalistic park-like settings with picturesque views. Mount Hermon was one of the earliest rural cemeteries established in Canada, and may be the oldest of its kind in the province.

In addition to its attractive setting, intact plan, original caretaker’s lodge and vault, and mature trees, Mount Hermon includes a number of funerary monuments of artistic and historical interest, which are an exceptional illustration of many aspects of the history of Canada and of the province and the city of Québec. All are integrated into the natural, picturesque environment according to the cemetery’s original plan. The monuments display a wide range of styles and symbolism that reflect the periods when they were erected and the social standing and cultural values of the families or individuals that they were intended to commemorate. This remarkable combination of intact features and an extraordinary landscape makes Mount Hermon one of the finest examples of a small rural cemetery in Canada.

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