Father William L. Nelligan

Born in Bangor, Maine, on August 15, 1884, Father William L. Nelligan entered the seminary in 1906 after hearing Christ's call, "Come follow me." Ordained to the priesthood on April 3, 1914, he left his native Maine and came to Kansas as a missionary to serve the Church. He became pastor of St. Malachy Church in Beattie on Jan. 21, 1921. Known for his Irish warmth, wit, and keen mind, he served the people of Beattie as pastor for 46 years and as pastor emeritus for 7 more years. He died on July 18, 1973, and was buried in the parish cemetery, remaining in death in the Beattie community among the people he loved and served so well.

Beattie, Kansas · United States