St. Martin’s Parish Cemetery, Whitefield, Indiana

In many cemeteries, especially Catholic cemeteries, one is likely to find the crucifixion as part of the symbols adorning the gravestones.  In this case in the St. Martin Cemetery at Whitefield, Indiana, the letters “I.N.R.I” are written above the crucified Christ.  The letters stand for the initials of the Latin words, Iesvs Nazarenvs Rex Ivdaeorvm.  The English translation is “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Latin was the language of the ancient Romans, who ruled over Judea at the time Jesus lived.  In Latin “I” was used instead of the English “J”, and “V” instead of “U”.

This markers honors Reverend James Stremler D.D., who died July 17, 1899, at the age of 72 years.