Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2018 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== The Ludington Daily News Wednesday, June 27, 1956 Shrine in Buttersville Honors PERE MARQUETTE Mason county's nationally famous shrine, the deathsite of PERE JACQUES MARQUETTE, French missionary explorer, who died May 18, 1675, in the lonely wilderness on the shore of the lake which now bears his name, draws an increasing number of visitors from near and far as the years go by. Some few years ago a high bluff in Butters- ville, across Pere Marquette lake to the south from Ludington, was selected as the likely death- site of the famous Jesuit by historians from Marquette University of Milwaukee and others interested in establishing the historic spot. History records that the missionary's dying words to his two faithful companions were "Mark my grave with a cross." Old records show that a crude wooden cross was erected by the men before they left to continue up Lake Michigan on their way back to St. Ignace. For many years to follow, the Indians, who had known and revered FATHER MARQUETTE, renewed the marking from time to time with a wooden cross. For the time after the white man took over the land and the Indians departed, the death- site of MARQUETTE was neglected. Then members of Ludington chapter, Daughters of the Ameri- can Revolution, placed a large boulder in the area with bronze plate inscription dedicated to his memory some 30 years ago. Later, after the mound was established as the actual death- site, a huge wooden cross was erected to mark the location until such time as more fitting tribute could be paid to the noted missionary explorer. PERE MARQUETTE Memorial association had previously been formed in Ludington and this group, working with Marquette University set about the task of erecting a permanen shrine to perpetuate the memory of this missionary- explorer, the first white man to set foot on these shores. A beautiful masonry shrine, toped with a monel metal cross, was completed in time for dedication during 1955, Mason county's Centennial year. Dedication of the PERE MARQUETTE shrine featured the Centennial celebration program during August, 1955, and a historic pageant, honoring the mem- ory of the famous missionary explorer, was presented to packed audiences during the celebration week. Thousands of visitors turned off US-31 south of Ludington for a short scenic ride through beautiful Pere Marquette township to visit the famous shrine during the 1955 summer season. Marking the official opening of the pil- grimages this year was the 22nd annual visit to the deathsite shrine Friday, May 18, the 381st anniversary of PERE MARQUETTE'S death. This pilgrimage is sponsored by PERE MARQUETTE Memorial association and each year the public, in growing numbers, takes part in this brief time set aside to pay tribute to the noted Jesuit. Further work in landscaping and minor finishing details will be done on the shrine early this season in anticipation that even a greater number of tourists and resorters vacationing in this area will join with Ludington residents through the summer months in visits to the historic spot where the French missionary to the Indians and first white man to explore the Mississippi died. PERE MARQUETTE Memorial association is also working on plans to produce the PERE MARQUETTE pageant at intervals during the summer months. Officers of the association are EUGENE CHRISTMAN president, Probate Judge OWEN J. Gavigan vice president, Miss AGNES MacLAREN secretary and MARTIN JOHNSON, treasurer. ==========================================================================