The Historic Gehring/Stearns Cemetery, established in the early 1800s, is one of Fayetteville’s oldest cemeteries and a vital part of Arkansas’ rich history. Once located at the edge of town, this hallowed ground holds not only marked graves but also nearly 100 unmarked burial sites, discovered in 2014 during an aerial survey. These unmarked graves, belonging to enslaved individuals & poppers, reveal a poignant chapter of local history, serving as a reminder of the lives woven into the fabric of our community.

Christian Life Cathedral is committed to ensuring that those buried here are never forgotten. A memorial at the site honors their memory, bearing the words, “Blessed be the memory of those who have no name, no face. You have found rest from the issues of this life,” along with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “The time is always right to do what is right.”

This sacred space not only preserves the stories of Fayetteville’s past but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of those who shaped our community. Through ongoing care and remembrance, we strive to give voice and honor to those who had none.