Old brush arbors by the side of the road,
Where the mighty light of God's great mercy flowed.
There was praying, shouting, singing,
Till the country side was ringing.
Brush arbors by the side of the road...

George Jones, 1965

Although it has a tin roof, this structure is reminiscent of old brush arbors. By definition, brush arbors were rough, open-sided shelter constructed of vertical poles with poles laid across the top to support a roof of brush or hay. Located in the middle of nowhere, with the Neal church across the road and the Neal Cemetery adjacent, this arbor was probably the site of many a revival, gospel singing, dinner on the grounds, and funerals.

Neal Cemetery
FM 500 and 211
San Saba County, Texas
2.19.2016

 

we are gathered here today . . .

 

Even in country cemeteries, simple graveside services have evolved as chapels are built for the comfort of the mourners.  This memorial chapel was erected in 2005 at the Idalou Cemetery.  Begun in 1921 with the donation of two acres for the burial of a family member, the Idalou Cemetery received a Texas Historic Cemetery designation in 2002.  A cemetery is eligible for designation if it is at least 50 years old and is deemed worthy of recognition for its historical associations. The very nature of a cemetery being a landmark of a family’s or community’s presence is considered to validate the criteria of historical associations.  While 93 years may not seem "historic" in some part, on the plains and in Idalou, the cemetery and its gravestones record the passage of time.

 

Idalou Cemetery

Idalou, Texas