On Sunday August 16th the St. Rose of Lima Church hosted an ice cream social at the grounds of the restored church from 1 to 4pm. The celebration included a live music performance, a homemade quilt raffle, and a chance to reminisce with friends and neighbors.
Michael Wilmes, West Concord resident and local historian, presented a talk about the history of the church with interesting facts about the people and the community. The bell was ordered and shipped from the east coast and came down the Atlantic seacoast, up the Mississippi River and lastly by land from Red Wing to Pine Island and then to the church property. It weighed 3,000 pounds and was hoisted up into the belfry by block and tackle. Around 1976 someone attempted to steal the bell and dropped it from the bell tower onto the ground. It was located a few years later and recovered without any damage from the theft. It was then installed in the current location in the cemetery behind the church.
Another story involved a railroad worker who was killed in an accident on the railroad in the area during the late 1800’s. There was no identification or information as to who he was or where he came from. Without family or next of kin to notify, the people of the church gave him a burial, even though he was unidentified. It speaks to the hard-working settlers who would gladly care for one they didn’t know and give him a dignified burial.
