Strange and Silent Phantom Congregation Prays in Bertrand Church Near Which Slain Lovers Rest (Bertrand)

The Detroit Free Press, April 12, 1908 (enlarge)

This haunting is short on details and long on folklore. Apparently an old dilapidated church and cemetery in Bertrand was a very active site of paranormal activity in early 1908. Apparitions, unexplained lights and holy music were frequently experienced on the grounds, frightening citizens who steered clear of it.

According to this article from The Detroit Free Press Pierre and Rose Snydam were a young married couple who experienced severe difficulty in wedlock. Having decided to divorce the two met at the church in Bertrand to settle the terms of the dissolution.

While walking past the tombstones they came across the grave of Madeleine Ellen Mona Mouta Nona. Better known as Madeline Bertrand, Indian wife of the town's founder. As twilight turned into darkness they turned to look at the stained glass windows of the church and were struck with a sudden awe of attachment and began clasping each others hand.

It was then that they swore to have seen a congregation of phantom forms proceeding to the ruined church's doors. The couple followed and when inside knelt before a throng of both Indians and whites joined in worship. There were burning lights and a pale priest of immense beauty gave sermon.

Rose and Pierre fell prostrate in the aisles, delivered up their souls and became one with the dusty acolytes. Their heart were delivered to God.

The pale priest approached and passed them in the aisle way uttering "Pax Vobiscum." When they rose the lost love had returned and they passionately kissed and embraced one another.

Two weeks later both were dead at the hand of a jealous Indian named Gray Eagle who was madly in love with Rose. His corpse was found near their bodies where he also took his own life.