Offers To Repair Tombstones Pour In Following Vandalization, Wyckoff Pastor Says

WYCKOFF, N.J. — The Wyckoff Reformed Church has received support from dozens of people — many of them strangers — since 50 grave markers and headstones were toppled over and smashed overnight Monday.

Masons specializing in repairing historic stones have called and offered to repair the headstones, many of which are at least 100 years old. Other people have volunteered to help pay for a security system or flood lights to make sure that something like this does not happen again. Still others have discussed starting a GoFundMe drive to raise money for the repairs. Other members of the greater Wyckoff community have told the church that they are there for them if they need them.

“I’m proud of the community that they not only remember that the cemetery is here, but want to help to preserve it,” said Rev. Andy Kadzban, the church’s pastor.

• Related: 50 Headstones Toppled, Broken In Wyckoff Cemetery, Police Say

The cemetery’s oldest grave marker is from 1796. It may have been a burial plot of the family who owned the property. The church didn’t own the property until 1805. The church building was built in 1806.

Kadzban said the damage may be covered by the church’s insurance policy, but he is waiting to hear back from the insurance company. He also said that the company that repairs the tombstones, Sgobba’s Monument Works, has been “wonderful” throughout the process of working to fix tombstones that have fallen and needed fixing during his four years there as pastor.

“The cemetery, it is still connected to the church 200 years later,” Kadzban said. “It has been cared for and, with all of the help we’ve gotten, we’ll be able to put everything back together and honor these people.”

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