I noticed this week that the two main sections of the ornate, wrought iron gates leading into Mount Royal Cemetery have been removed. Originally installed in 1862, they are being restored and will be back by the end of spring, a large sign announces.
Lee says that the side gates were also taken down in the fall, but I didn't notice that. They're back though, so visitors can still see some of the magical iron work.
The removal underscores the need to safeguard what we have.
The last time we were at Chartres Cathedral in France, the peace was disturbed for a good part of the afteroon by the diesel engine workers were using to power the equipment necessary for the restoration work they were doing around the western rose window. But not to do the work would be worse. Like the eternal vigilance which is essential for democracy, so the grubby work of cleaning and repairing is necessary to preserve beauty and our heritage.Photos: A detail from the gates, and what they looked like open on one lovely day early last fall.
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