Priest Section at the Saint Jerome Cemetery in Holyoke
Saint Jerome Cemetery was only accessible via a lane from the side roads to the north and south. It was not until Saint Jerome Avenue was put in place in 1893 that it had a road to its gates. The cemetery was started in 1866 with the name Roman Catholic Cemetery of Holyoke. In 1911 the name was finally changed to St Jerome Cemetery.
John Fagan was the 5th pastor at Saint Jerome’s Church. He stayed for 20 years. He had built the large crucifix in front of you. On the back of it there is a message to all the parish. The crucifix has two altars one on each side – east and west. The altars measure 2 by 8 feet. The west side has on its vertical panel three sections. First the coat of arms of Pope Pius XI. Second the coat of arms of Bishop O’Leary. Then a statement:
In loving memory of all – at any time – parishioners of St. Jerome’s – no matter where their ashes lies – this monument, a Diamond Jubilee Souvenir, was erected by Rt. Reverend Monsignor J. F. Fagan, P.R, Pastor of St. Jerome 1922 – 1942.
The altars have between them statues of Mother Mary, Mary Magdalen, and Saint John the Beloved. The cross is made of Carrara marble in one piece. It is 18 feet high. Carrara is in Tuscany of Italy.
Andrew Martin was the 6th pastor and he stayed for 26 years. Daniel Foley was the 9th pastor. Jeremiah O’Callaghan was the first and he is buried alongside the church. James Sullivan was the 2nd pastor and he started this cemetery. He is not buried here. Holy Cross Church also uses this cemetery. Its first two pastors served for 65 years combined. They are buried here – John Ivers and James Hanrahan.
