Pastoral Monument - Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery
Walker Township, Kent County, Michigan

Transcribed summer 2000 by Debbi Carpentier Manni and Margaret Gillis.


In the center of the cemetery is a round, planter-type memorial whose plaque reads: In Honor of the Religious Vocations of SS Peter & Paul Parish by Paul & Agnes Popell Family. In the center of the memorial there is a statue of Jesus with the following plaque: The Divine Invitation  The one hand of Jesus is extended, inviting man to live. The other points to heaven inviting man in death  both arms are in a posture to embrace Twice Jesus asked Peter to follow Him once in life then in death.  Artist Joy King, Long Beach, CA; Commissioned by C. Popell. Around the entire bottom of the circle are individual plaques, some are blank, the rest are engraved with one, two or three names, as follows:

Pastors Msgr. Joseph A. Lipkus 1925 to 1961, Died March 23rd, 1972
Msgr. Walter F. Jude, 1961 to 1971

Pastors Father Albert R. Bernott, 1971 to 1981
Fr. Ken Schichtel, 1981 to 1992

Pastors Fr. Thomas F. Boufford, 1992 to 1993
Fr. Dennis W. Morrow, 1993 to

Rev. Antanas Treska, Aug. 9, 1913-Jan. 20, 1984
Associate Pastor 1967-1971,  1976-1984

Rev. Joseph P. Alksnis, 1916-1993

Rev. John A. Gervickas, 1880-1945,  Pastor 1912-1917
Kun. Jonas Cisas, 1856-1929

Msgr. Charles W. Popell, March 4, 1910-Sept. 18, 1999
Rev. Anthony Vainavicz  (no dates)
Rev. Ernest J. Bernott  (no dates)

Rev. William Viesnoraitis, Died September 30, 1957
Rev. Vincent Valis, Died Jan. 9th, 1970
Rev. Kunigus Jonas Zvileblis  (no dates)

In another center section of the cemetery is a very large, very ornate metal Crucifix, surrounded by a black iron fence.  A plaque on the Crucifix is engraved with the following: "In commemoration of Lithuania's 600 years of Christianity 1387-1987. S. S. Peter & Paul Parish Lithuanian American Community."  Sculptor: Jurgis Daugvila

 



Copyright © 2000 Debbi Carpentier Manni, Margaret Gillis
 

Created: 16 August 2000