The oldest graves in the cemetery are unmarked ones known to date from 1796; the oldest marked grave located thus far is dated 1803. Although a section east of the church, near the altar wall, is set aside for burial of clergy and their families, The Reverend Matthews’ gravestone, in the shape of an altar table, is located behind the church. It was the custom in those days to use such a gravestone as a table to feed the poor. \n--http://www.christchurchfrederica.org/721806