River View Cemetery, Portland, Oregon

Nearly obscured by the moss hanging on this tombstone is the  crown in the center of the cross.  The crown is a symbol of glory and reward and victory over death.  The epitaph on this memorial to prebyterian ministers makes it clear the reward comes after life and the hard-fought battle on Earth against the wages of sin and the temptations of the flesh.  The reward awaits in Heaven where the victor will receive a crown of victory.

   I have fought

a good fight.  I

have finished my

course.  I have

kept the faith.

     Henceforth,

there is laid up

for me a crown

of righteousness.