John Jeremiah Lawler
John Jeremiah Lawler (August 4, 1862 – March 11, 1948) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Lead (later changed to Diocese of Rapid City) in South Dakota from 1916 until his death in 1948. He previously served as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul in Minnesota from 1910 to 1916. Biography Early life John Lawler was born on August 4, 1862, in Rochester, Minnesota, and attended St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He continued his studies in Belgium, studying philosophy at the College of St. Nicholas in Flanders and theology at the University of Louvain. Priesthood Lawler was ordained to the priesthood at Louvain on December 19, 1885. Following his return to Minnesota, Lawler served as professor of Scripture at the College of St. Thomas and later pastor of St. Luke's Parish in St. Paul. He also served as rector of the Cathedral of St. Paul. As rector, he was instrumental in the erection of the cathedral at a cost of $5 million. Auxiliary Bishop of Saint Paul On February 8, 1910, Lawler was appointed auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and titular bishop