ST JOSEPH’S ELLENDALE
A rural church will end over 160 years of services to parshioners in the Merrill area. Father Bruce Lawler of All Saints Parish says Sunday morning will be the final mass at St Joseph’s of Ellendale, located 6 miles west of Merrill.
Father Lawler says the church building will still be used.
Members of St Joseph’s Ellendale come from a broad, rural area.
Members of St Joseph’s of Ellendale will become members of All Saints Parish, but Father Lawler says that doesn’t mean they will attend Mass in Le Mars.
Father Lawler served Mass there, as did retired priests from the diocese. Back in the day, this rural church was one of several which was served in a circuit.
Father Lawler hopes the congregation can find a way to stay connected.
The church is known for its apple pies
An estimated 30-thousand apple pies have been made, frozen and sold at St. Joseph’s Ellendale as fundraisers over the years. Ellendale is the name of the church property where St Joseph’s now stands. The land was donated by Patrick Gorman, and was named after his wife, Ellen.
Father Lawler is himself reaching a milestone this weekend – He is retiring after 43 years in ministry.
