St. Bernard’s Church puts cemetery project “in God’s hands”

“Demolition” was the verdict when the parishioners of St. Bernard’s Church in Oriska assessed the condition of the brickwork in their cemetery. God’s hand went to work almost immediately.

Who could do the build? A chance meeting between a parishioner and a long-time friend revealed that her son was a generational bricklayer, working in the region for 20 years. Josh Larson, Larson Masonry, Valley City, was excited about the prospect of renewing the cemetery. He likes knowing his work lasts into eternity. God’s hand?

Rather than traditional brick, Larson suggested structural block from Structural Materials Inc. in Fargo. It has a stately appearance, could be color-matched to our church, and costs less to install than traditional brick. Mike Opatril, president of SMI, was almost as excited as Larson about the project and generously donated the blocks. God’s hand?

Our forefathers had left us “good bones” for the cemetery renewal. The magnificent Christ statue stood over a remarkable granite base proclaiming “I am the Resurrection and the Life.” The four pillars at the entrances and the planters were topped with that elegant granite. The first two pillars announced “St.Bernard’s Cemetery,” the year of consecration and the year it was enlarged. The other two had no plaques. It was determined to use the exact same model with the addition of a rampart behind the statue connecting the planters.

However, the Christ statue needed refreshing. Liz Schwankl, known in the area for repairing statues, was tapped for the job. Sonya Gillen and Sarah Coulthart, Colorado, had developed a real passion for the cemetery in which their parents and so many of their Winkler family members are buried. They underwrote Schwankl’s work. God’s hand?

But what about the actual build? It needed footings and who should step up with his sons to do the work, but Ron Pommerer, Oriska, whose family members are buried there. He had been fighting a serious autoimmune disease, but rallied to plan and pour the all-important footings. God’s hand?

But the weather was against us as soggy grounds prevented the start of the work. The footings were poured, but Larson hesitated to damage the grounds. Finally, the rain held off long enough to firm the ground enough to get started.

But unbeknownst to us at the time, there was a real impetus to finish. Ron Winkler, long time parishioner, passed away and would be buried at St. Bernard’s Cemetery. The day of Ron’s funeral, August 24, Larson finished placing plaques on the final two pillars only hours before the burial. God’s hand?

Why were two west pillars left without plaques by our forefathers? There is a sunburst compass that rises above the altar in our church. Curiously, it is the logo of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. That image and 2020, the year of renewal, now top the last two pillars. A copy of New Earth went into the time capsule. God’s hand?

So, if you are passing on the interstate, head into Oriska and take the first street headed west. Go a half mile to our cemetery. Linger at the shrine and feel God’s hand.