St. Michael’s oversees this Catholic cemetery and the sacramental records for St. Aloysius Church located on Highway 47 a few miles west of Girard.
“The fervent promise of Jesuit missionary Father Philip Colleton while he waited out a ferocious Kansas storm in 1869, resulted in the establishment of St. Aloysius mission two years later. Father was traveling from Crawfordsville to Osage Mission when the storm struck. He took refuge near Hickory Creek, promising the Blessed Virgin Mary that if he were spared, the church would be built. And so it was done. A second larger church was completed in 1881 by Father Van der Hagen with all volunteer labor.
The first resident pastor arrived the following year. He was Father F.M. Verdan who is buried in the cemetery. When plans were laid for the permanent church in 1900, the cost again was minimal because the stone was quarried from Hickory Creek and the labor was donated by parishioners. On completion in 1907, St. Aloysius was the largest structure in Crawford County, a beacon to the surrounding farm area with the cross soaring 125 feet above the ground. Tornadic winds and a fire were to destroy this magnificent structure in 1982. Saddened parishioners took comfort in the renovations of the second small chapel. It is a fitting tribute to the history of the people of Greenbush.
A native son of St. Aloysius became a Passionist Father in 1904 and served his flock in far-off Argentina. He was Ignatius Aloysius Knott, known as Father David, CP. Also a fertile field for women religious, Greenbush has contributed over 30 sisters to several different orders.” (excerpt from The Catholic Diocese of Wichita Centennial, 1987)
Priests who have served St. Aloysius include Fathers P.J. Stremel, Joseph Oenbrink, Herbert Mohr, Ed Steinberger, Paul Meier, Joseph Abraham, Charles Middleton, Leonard Torline, David O’Leary, Alonzo Smithhisler and Monsignor Irvin Lampe. Since St. Aloysius Parish closed in 1993, the property has continued as an historic site and museum.
The St. Aloysius Historical Society is an association of persons interested in the St. Aloysius Historic Church and Cemetery. Membership of this organization is open to the general public. The Board of Directors is as follows: Judy Jacquinot – President, Don Davied – Vice-President, Mary Nick – Secretary, and Michelle Elder – Treasurer. A newsletter keeps members apprised of projects to maintain this historic site. Greenbush Day is held each year, usually in September, to support the work of the St. Aloysius Historical Society. Contact the Society at PO Box 61, Girard, KS 66743.