Ireland to Minnesota: with a Bavarian sprinkle: St. Bridget's Cemetery, Simpson

Monday, October 1, 2018

St. Bridget's Cemetery, Simpson

In 1853, the Michael Buckley family came to what is now St. Bridget's parish. The first mass was offered by Fr. Michael Prendergast in the Buckley log cabin located about 500 feet west of the present church. The land for the church and cemetery was donated by Mr. Buckley.

The early Irish settlers were served by priests coming from Winona. Later the parish was cared for by priests from St. John's parish, Rochester. In 1879, Fr. Edward Stack became the first resident pastor.

The church was built in 1859 of native limestone with parishioners furnishing most of the labor. Originally the church opened to the south to face the stage road from Winona. Sometime before 1883 a tornado destroyed the church roof. It was rebuilt with the door to the north, since the road to Simpson, a railroad town since 1865, now passed there. In 1914 a bell tower and sacristy completed the church as it stands today.

First settlers included the Buckley, Twohey and Campion families. The Buckley family settled along the stage trail from Winona to High Forest. In 1855, the first Mass was said in the Buckley home, located about 500 feet west of the present church. A kitchen table was used as an altar.

The Rev. Michael Pendergast from Winona's St. Thomas parish was in charge at St. Bridget's in those early years. He traveled by horseback where needed.

John C. and wife Bridget Buckley donated 10 acres of land in 1858 as a site for church and cemetery. Parishioners began constructing a church from native limestone, while lumber, glass and millwork were hauled up from Winona.

By 1859, St. Bridget's was completed and dedicated by Bishop T.L. Grace of St. Paul. Father O' Gorman of Rochester served St. Bridget's until 1879. Then the Rev. Edward Stack became the first resident pastor.

The cemetery was platted to the east of the church and just south of the stagecoach road leading to the Buckley Settlement and High Forest. Records show Margaret Campion was the earliest known burial, in 1854.

St john's church 1863 completed 1871 the cemetery dates from 1874.