St. Edward Parish at 216 S, Nichols St., Lowell, IN 46356 US - History and Regulations

Plots were purchased by the original 7 or 8 families of 1870, including William Buckley, Patrick Buckley, Edward Warren Russell, Peter Klein, Patrick Feeley, W. Govert and Jacob Minninger.

The first two acres of our burial ground on old North Ave. was purchased between 1878 and 1882, for the sum of $250.

There is one stone with the following: Jeremiah Klein, son of Jacob, born 12-23-1809, died 8-1-1880, age 71. The first recorded burial was that of N. Maria Staff, Died May 1, 1882, Buried May 3, 1882, Rev. Charles Ganzer, pastor.

Earlier in the century, the burial plot had an ornamental fence in the front, with gates at several places. The fence was trimmed with large evergreen trees, (white pine) which were blown down, or died and removed.

In 1958,  2 1/4 additional acres were purchased and partially surveyed or plotted. The price was $2200. At that time a chain link fence was installed along the back and at the sides. Ornamental brick planters were placed near the entrances.

The older part of the cemetery, the west side, is the burial place of many of the original families in the parish. It also includes the grave of Edward Warren Russell, who was credited with building the first church on the northeast corner of the church property on Burnham Ave. in 1870.

The road in the cemetery travels around a circle in the eastern part, where two priests are buried near a statue of the Good Shepherd. One is Father Mathew Spebar, St. Edward's pastor from 1967 until he died March 16, 1979, (born Dec. 2, 1916). Nearby is the grave of Father Joseph P. Casey, 1908-1983, retired priest who was a resident of Lowell, and helped the pastor.

In 1994 an ornamental block building was erected in the southwest corner for the purpose of storing maintenance equipment. Many of the old stones have been righted. A map and card file is being used to record the burials.

Rules and regulations are set in place to insure the sacred character of our cemetery and to maintain the rich tradition of honoring the dead who are buried there.

The general care and upkeep of St. Edward Cemetery is handled by the parish. Families and friends of those buried here may assist in preserving the dignity of this hallowed ground.

Decorations are checked regularly and those that have become unsightly or withered are removed for the best appearance of each individual lot and the whole cemetery.

We hope you will appreciate that we make this decision as carefully as we can. We have no desire to displease anyone, and will leave decorations on as long as their appearance is presentable. For further information, please call the Ministry Center.