HISTORY
On May 28, 1875, Green Mount Catholic Cemetery purchased 8.75 acres of land adjacent to, and acquired from the Green Mount Cemetery Association [non-sectarian].1 In November of that year about three acres were enclosed by a fence for burial purposes. Prior to this, Catholics were buried in the Catholic section of Walnut Hill Cemetery circa 1850 following the cholera epidemic. No record of Catholic burials before 1888 in Walnut Hill Cemetery has survived. Earlier still, Belleville area Catholics were buried the Old Burying Ground on land where the Chancery now stands (now South Third and West Harrison Streets).
In March 1877 the cemetery was laid out in lots by the County Surveyor, roads were made, and the cross erected. The Most Rev. Peter Joseph Baltes, Bishop of Alton, consecrated the fenced in section. In attendance were Rev. L. Hinssen, Rector of St. Peter’s parish, Rev. A. Schlegel, Rev. L. Pommer, Rev. Zumbusch, Rev. Wirtschorect, and a large number of the faithful. Lot 154 was reserved for unbaptized children, and lots 155–160 were for families of mixed religions.
In 1898 two and three-fourths (2.75) acres again were purchased from the Green Mount Cemetery Association along with the private drive on the west side of the Cemetery (13/100ths acres). This deed was signed December 29, 1898.2
In 1920, the cemetery was incorporated and adopted the name Green Mount Catholic Cemetery of the Cathedral Congregation of Belleville St. Clair County, Illinois. A trust fund was then set up to collect Perpetual Care funds.
A chapel was built in ____ and a mausoleum with crypts and niches was erected in 2001–2002. Presently the cemetery can hold more than 17,000 persons and has an option on 10-acres for future use. Memorial services are held throughout the year, e.g., for veterans, and on the feast of All Souls in November.
As cremation became acceptable practice more Catholics elect to be cremated.
Statues and memorials erected throughout the cemetery include the Crucifixion Group in Section 1, Garden Altar and Altar group in Section 3 in memory of those who died in the 1885 Convent Fire, and the Knights of Columbus memorial to unborn children.
1. St. Clair County, Illinois, Recorder’s office, Deed Book 132 page 561.
2. St. Clair County, Illinois, Recorder’s office, Deed Book 264, page 291.
Location & Hours
Green Mount Catholic Cemetery Location
679 S Green Mount Rd
Belleville, IL 62220
Cemetery Office Location
200 W Harrison St
Belleville, IL 62220
Office Hours
Monday – Thursday
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am – Noon
Visitation Hours
Daily, from Dawn to Dusk
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Documents
Pricing (effective July 1, 2026)
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Contact Us
Carissa Reitano – Sales & Burials
618-234- 4858
bulletin@cathedralbelle.org
Diane Walsh – Finance & Deeds
618-234- 1166
cemetery@cathedralbelle.org