NILES TOWNSHIP — Until about two months ago, lead pastor Matthew Hickok thought a stone plaque on the lawn of Community Evangelical Free Church was a tribute to Bertrand School, which previously occupied the space. Because the church once housed the school and read “Honor Roll” Hickok’s theory made sense.

The plaque, which until recently had been mostly obscured by bushes, might have been forgotten, but Hickok credits deacon groundskeeper, Luke Cramer, who brushed the branches aside and discovered that the monument had more historical value than thought.    

Hickok and Cramer believe the plaque to be a memorial to local veterans who served in World War I. The plaque includes 28 names, prefaced by a short statement of gratitude reading: “And this tablet erected to honor those members of the Bertrand Community in their country’s service during the World War ending by armistice Nov. 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.”

With this year’s Veterans Day marking the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, Hickok thought it would be fitting to plan a rededication ceremony for the monument at 11 a.m. Nov. 11.

“We thought this would be a great opportunity to honor the memory of all of those soldiers, because obviously all of them have passed by now,” Hickok said. “But some of their children or grandchildren still live in the area.”

Hickok is hoping to find out who those relatives of the veterans named are so that he can have them attend the ceremony. He asked those relatives to contact the church and let them know they plan to attend. Hickok said he believes it could be a powerful moment for the descendants of veterans. 

“We have 28 different families that we are looking for the descendants of,” Hickok said. “I don’t know if all of them are aware that their grandfather or great-grandfather fought to protect our nation in that war. To me, it connects where they are at right now with that past. When you think about it, everybody whose name is on that plaque is a hero.”

Wanting to give the monument the care it deserved, the church decided to fund the restoration of the plaque. ShadowedLights Designs in Niles removed the corrosion from the plaque and repainted it.

When the church explained the story to Lowe’s and told store officials their plans to create a monument area, the store offered to donate the materials needed. When completed, the monument will include two 20-foot flags with the state and U.S. flag and a flower bed around it.

Through a bit more research, Hickok found out through a Niles Daily Star article form April 30, 1919 about the monument’s planned dedication on May 3, 1919.

While Hickok is still planning the details for the ceremony, he said he intends to have a short rededication ceremony, followed by an indoor reception. The Amvets will be present to play taps.

Hickok has been a pastor at the church for about 3  1/2 years. Community Evangelical Free Church purchased the former school building 35 years ago.

With plans to restore the plaque to its former glory, Hickok said he is proud that his church has yet another tie to local Niles history.

“It feels wonderful to know that we can honor not only those that served during that time, but the other veterans of our community as well,” Hickok said.

For questions, call (269) 336-6227.