Clearing up history

Nearly 50 volunteers from the Bells of St. Mary’s group, in collaboration with the St. Mary’s Cemetery Association, started cleaning the more than 1,000 gravestones in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lake Church during the last two weekends. Kevin Wester, leader of the effort who recently published a book on the history of Lake Church, said the group will continue its work in spring. Clockwise from above were Madalyn, 16, (front) and her mother Ann Gaulke, Jacob Thill and Ginny Schueller. Wester said many of the gravestones came out “shockingly different” with epitaphs and dates that are now readable. Photos by Sam Arendt