Dear Friends of Elmwood:
Elmwood Cemetery has had a very eventful year in 2025 as we continue to invest in keeping this sacred place beautiful, functional and sustainable. In the spring, we suffered significant vandalism and theft, requiring extensive upgrades to our mausoleums and overall security, including a bright streetlight in the heart of the cemetery.
In the summer, we replaced the stairs and sidewalk to the administrative offices, greatly improving the appearance and safety of those structures. This fall, extensive improvements to the roofs of the office and a portion of the Armour Chapel were completed. We also replaced our aging water main pipe, eliminating the risk of breaks.
These and other improvements are a necessary part of maintaining a 153-year-old enterprise. This doesn’t happen without the generous support of the many friends, families and supporters of Elmwood Cemetery. Now, as we prepare for projects and operations in 2026, there is some exciting news to share:
John McGuire is the son of Elmwood resident Major Clarence A. McGuire, who fought in World War I. John has been a longtime supporter of Elmwood Cemetery and, in honor of his father, has offered to match all year-end donations up to $25,000. And best of all, John has agreed to match those donations TWO-to-ONE. That means your donation will go three times as far in 2026!
Major Clarence A. McGuire, from Kansas City, served at Base Hospital no. 5 during World War I. He first started his military experience at the Army Medical School and was then inducted in June of 1917.
As stewards of Elmwood Cemetery, we are deeply committed to preserving a serene and respectful space where families can honor their loved ones. More than a resting place, our cemetery is a lasting tribute to the lives and legacies of those who shaped our community. Your contribution will directly support critical projects such as:
- Preserving the Cemetery’s Beauty: Keeping the grounds a serene and welcoming space for families and visitors.
- Honoring Our Heritage: Restoring and maintaining historic monuments and mausoleums that celebrate the legacy of those who built our community.
- Making Practical Improvements: Providing maintenance and repairs to essential
facilities, roadways and signage throughout the cemetery.
This matching gift challenge offers a rare opportunity to maximize the impact of your generosity. Every dollar brings us three dollars toward our 2026 objectives, but time is limited — donations must be received by December 31 to qualify for the match.
This is our chance to honor the past while ensuring a peaceful and beautiful future for Elmwood Cemetery. Together, we can preserve its legacy as a sanctuary of history, memory, and peace.
Thank you for your kindness and support. If you have questions or would like more information, please email me at sabrahms@elmwoodcemeterykc.org or contact the cemetery office.
With sincere gratitude,
President, Board of Trustees