Oconee Hill Cemetery | Sexton's House

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Sexton's House

Virtual Tour

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The Sexton's House was acquired by the Trustees of Oconee Hill Cemetery in 1892 from the adjoining Athens Manufacturing Company. It served as the cemetery sexton's residence for the next ninety years and was beautifully restored in 2007 by the Friends of Oconee Hill Cemetery. This home is available for use by families in conjunction with funeral services. It may be used for a reception, memorial service, or gathering place for friends and relatives.

The main area of the house consists of four rooms with a large center connecting hall (Georgian cottage design). A wing contains men's and women's restrooms as well as a catering kitchen. Large front and rear porches provide additional reception space. All areas, except the kitchen, are handicap accessible.

A fee of $250 is charged for a two hour reception. This fee includes access one hour before (for setup) and thirty minutes after the reception (for cleanup). A docent will be on the property throughout the event to answer questions or handle problems. If a caterer is used, the family needs to negotiate the cost and payment for the reception directly with the caterer. Athens has many excellent caterers as well as numerous local restaurants that provide catering services. For information about reserving this home on the grounds of Oconee Hill Cemetery, please contact the cemetery sexton at 706-543-6262. The house may also be reserved through any local funeral home.

When using the house, please remember that much of the furniture is antique and care must be used to protect it. Smoking and the use of any open flames (candles, grills, etc.) are strictly prohibited throughout the house and on all porches.

GUIDELINES FOR USE OF THE HOUSE

* You may have access to the house one hour before the event for setup and thirty minutes after the event for cleanup.

* The kitchen has a microwave oven and commercial-sized refrigerator. No ovens for cooking are on the property.

* Ice, serving dishes and utensils, and supplies for cleanup must be provided by the caterer or the person renting the house.

* All excess food must be removed from the kitchen, and all refuse must be removed from the house.

* A padded protective mat is provided for the reception table in the Trussell Room.

* Any surfaces in the house may be used for flowers, food, or beverages. However, mats and/or tablecloths must be placed on all pieces of furniture used for these purposes to protect them from damage. Please keep in mind that much of the furniture is antique.

* Smoking and the use of any open flames (candles, grills, etc.) are strictly prohibited throughout the entire house and on all porches.

* Equipment failure, maintenance issues or breakage should be reported to the docent on duty.