Dedication of final resting place of union soldier to be held June 2

The Island Now
Mother Margaret Peckham Clark and the John Codman Pollitz grave. (Photo courtesy of Trinity Episcopal Church, Roslyn)

As has been previously reported, there was an unexpected discovery at Trinity Episcopal Church, Roslyn of the grave of John Codman Pollitz, Trinity parishioner and Civil War veteran. The grave was uncovered by workers who were renovating the floor of the church. It was decided to leave the grave undisturbed, and the new floor and carpet were installed above it.

On June 2 at 11:00 am, Trinity Episcopal Church will be dedicating the final resting place of Pollitz in a ceremony following Sunday services. The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War will also conduct a ceremony with Union Army reenactors. There will be a new plaque presented to mark the spot on the floor, below which lies Pollitz’ grave.

John Codman Pollitz’ family were longtime Roslyn residents, and John was the first Superintendent of the Sunday School. He was also active in fundraising for the original Trinity Episcopal Church, and as an enlisted man in the Union Army just before the Civil War, donated his accumulated Army pay to Trinity’s congregation for the purchase of a new bell. Ironically, when Pollitz died at New Bern, North Carolina in 1863 at the age of 19, the bell tolled for the first time at his funeral.

Submitted by Trinity Episcopal Church, Roslyn

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