photo - St. Peter Cathedral collection

Bishop Frederic Baraga 1st Bishop of Marquette 1853-1868

ishop Baraga was interred "Under the Cathedral close to the Blessed Virgin altar a brick vault had been constructed and there the plain pine coffin with its precious contents was deposited." (Rezek, I, p. 204).  Although an identifying inscription was in place there was no provision for visitors.

In 1875 the casket was opened to retrieve the valuable items it contained: staff, ring and a cross to help a poor diocese.  The hands were "perfectly preserved, full, hard to the touch, only unnaturally white in consequence of a fine mould having settled on it.  After a short exposure to the air this substance turned a little dark," (Fr. Edward Jacker, Dec. 29, 1875).

After the fire of 1879 the casket was opened again.  "This time also the body was in a perfect state of preservation."  Again, prior to reburial "Baraga's remains were exhumed in September 1897.  Although the dry-decay had done its work, the body was still complete notwithstanding the moisture of the sand that had eaten up the boards of the coffin." (Rezek, History of the Diocese).

A new crypt with six niches was built in the south-west corner.  At that time the body of Bishop Baraga was lifted into a steel casket.  "As I remember the original tomb ...  The walls were of stone construction.  There were places for six or eight bodies with a tomb size marble slab to cover the side opening.  The inscription on the outside, for each bishop. Bishop Baraga's body was in the lower tier in the southeast comer of the crypt." (Msgr. Martin Melican, September 17, 1957).

Fire again destroyed St. Peter's during the early morning hours of November 3, 1935.  In the spring of 1936 the bodies of the bishops were moved to the concrete passageway between the Cathedral Rectory and the Cathedral.  The body of Bishop Baraga was placed near the Cathedral wall.  The tunnel opening was sealed during the reconstruction of the Cathedral.  Msgr. Melican suggested that the space under the bishop's chapel be excavated and the crypt be built there and a distinct place of honor, separated from the other tombs, be reserved for the body of Bishop Baraga.

When Baraga's casket was opened, he was clearly recognizable.  Long, thick black hair covered his head.  His face was brown like a nut and heavily wrinkled.  He wore a green vestment.  Because the Cathedral had only one violet vestment and it was needed.  Also they forgot to put his mitre on after the casket was sealed, so they put it on top the casket.  Msgr. Rezek mentioned this years before and so this proved true.  I would say Baraga's features were in excellent condition considering the intervening years.  Certainly he was immediately recognizable." (Msgr. Francis Scheringer, July 17, 1957).