Ashland County Ministerial Association Donates $10,000 to Support Cemetery Restoration Ashland City Council Meeting
ASHLAND — At Tuesday night’s Ashland City Council meeting witnessed a powerful moment of unity as the Ashland County Ministerial Association (ACMA) presented Mayor Matt Miller and council members with a $10,000 check to help restore the Ashland Cemetery following extensive vandalism earlier this year.
Rev. Dave McNeely, president of ACMA, spoke on behalf of the organization, accompanied by Vice President Tim Bright, Secretary Keith Tyson, and Pastor John Bouquet, Chairman of the Ashland County Prayer Breakfast Network.
Before presenting the check, McNeely shared the mission of the ACMA — a network of 40 to 45 churches and ministry leaders across Ashland County who meet monthly to serve the community beyond the walls of their individual congregations.
“We gather together as ministers to work together to help build the Kingdom of God,” McNeely said. “It’s not just about our own churches — it’s about reaching the unchurched and dechurched in our community and meeting needs wherever we can.”
The $10,000 donation, McNeely explained, is a collective effort by churches and ministries across the county, intended specifically to help offset expenses caused by the widespread vandalism at the cemetery — an incident that left hundreds of grave markers damaged or overturned.
“This is just another way for our Ministerial Association to step forward in a time of crisis and meet a very practical need,” Mayor Miller said as he accepted the check. “God bless you for doing so.”
Miller noted that the city has collected approximately $65,000 in donations to date and has already reimbursed the cemetery for nearly $35,000 in immediate repair expenses. Full restoration is expected to cost around $250,000.
During the meeting, Mayor Miller highlighted several groups that have stepped up to support the restoration effort:
The Ashland Elks Lodge, which contributed roughly $13,000, earmarked for improved cemetery security.
The first private donor, who covered the cost of replacing the military veterans monument damaged in the incident.
Ashland Monument Company, which provided significant repair work at a deeply discounted cost.
The Ashland County Historical Society, which owns the military monument and has played an active role in the recovery process.
Thanks to fast work by the cemetery board, most monuments have already been returned to their proper positions. Some damaged stones still need full replacement.
Miller also addressed ongoing questions about the criminal investigation, noting that leads have gone cold despite attempts to pursue fingerprints, track cell phones, and analyze other evidence.
“We are not any closer,” the mayor said. “At this point, some believe it may have been someone from out of town, but we simply don’t know.”
He encouraged anyone with information to contact the Ashland Police Department.
Statement from Pastor John A. Bouquet
Following the meeting, Pastor John A. Bouquet released an official statement on behalf of ACMA:
The Ashland County Ministerial Association and its partner churches were proud to present a $10,000 check to the Ashland Cemetery Association. This is a collective effort by our churches and para-church ministries, demonstrating our mutual Citizen-Church-Civic partnership.
The ACMA is committed to being the hands and feet of Jesus to our community. We seek to make an eternal impact through the Gospel and by showing our love through good deeds.
Many of our church members and fellow citizens are buried in the Ashland Cemetery, and we wanted to help restore the dignity of the graves that were defaced.
We thank the Cemetery Association, local businesses, funeral directors, individuals, the City of Ashland, and our county townships for everything being done to restore this sacred space.”
Tuesday’s donation marks another significant step in what has become a countywide effort to bring healing and restoration to one of Ashland’s most historic and cherished places.
As McNeely and his fellow pastors stood alongside city leaders, the message was clear: in times of crisis, Ashland County stands together — in faith, in service, and in commitment to preserving the dignity of its community.
