The Rock of Beechwood

Amidst the serene landscape of Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa lies a rock unlike any other. Positioned at the heart of the Sacred Space, this ancient boulder has become a powerful symbol of endurance, reflection, and the passage of time. Its story, stretching back thousands of years, intertwines geological history with human meaning.
A Symbol of Endurance
Today, the rock resides in Beechwood’s Sacred Space, a nine-sided multi-faith venue designed to honour Canada’s diverse traditions. While the Sacred Space itself is a testament to inclusivity, the rock adds an element of permanence, bridging the transient nature of life with the enduring stability of the natural world.
Brigadier General (Retired) Gerald E. Peddle, former Chaplain General of the Canadian Forces and former Chair of the Board of Directors of Beechwood Cemetery Company and Foundation, captured its essence:
"The rock will remind people that in the midst of transient life, there is a permanence in the grander order of things. This rock will be our silent witness of the entire passage of human life. It will remind us that in the midst of our mourning, there is another reality that is firm, steadfast, enduring and will last forever."
This weathered boulder stands as a silent observer to generations of visitors who come to reflect, mourn, and find solace in its quiet presence.