| St. Joseph's Catholic Church, originated by a separation, from St.
Mary's Church, of those members living on the north side of the river.
The church became too small for the large congregation, and the distance
too far for the members of the North Side. The building of the present
magnificent church edifice was commenced in 1875, and dedicated May 12,
1878, by Most Rev. Archbishop J. N. Henni, of Milwaukee. The first
services were held in the present schoolhouse in 1876. The Church was
regularly organized in December, 1875, when Rev. Father M. Beiter was
appointed the first Priest of this congregation. He was succeeded by
Rev. Father Hugo Victor, who remained only three months, when Rev.
Father Anthony Foeckler took charge of the congregation. The building of
the church was under the supervision of Rev. Father Geo. Strickner, and
completed under Rev. Father Anthony Foeckler. The plans were drawn by
Frank Fisher, who also constructed the altar and pulpit, executed in the
most beautiful and elaborate Gothic style, a credit and a monument to
his skill as a carpenter and carver. John Lichter was the contractor of
the brick and mason work. The stained windows were manufactured by
McCully & Myles, of Chicago. The immense and excellent organ was built
in Baltimore, by Pomplitz. Some sixteen years ago a Catholic school was
conducted in a frame schoolhouse, standing on the site of the present
fine two-story brick building. The building was destroyed by fire, and
the new one erected, in 1872, under directions of Rev. Father J. A.
Birkhueser. This school is divided into two classes, including only
children from 6 to 13 years of age. The term is eleven months in the
year. The various branches are taught by three Dominican Sisters. The
average attendance is 180. The school is superintended by the Rev.
Father Foeckler. The congregation has a present membership of about 190
families. The church property, including the house of worship, the
schoolhouse and the Priest's residence, is valued at $35,000. The
property is all located on the southeast corner of St. Patrick and N.
Erie streets.
St. Joseph's Literary and Benevolent Society, connected with St. Joseph's Catholic Church, was organized in January, 1876. Its first officers were: John Brown, President; Theodore Schweitzer, Vice President; Jacob Hettrich, Treasurer; Charles Bettray, Corresponding Secretary, Charles Albert, Recording Secretary. The present officers are: Max Osius, President; Leonard Kampf, Vice President; Charles Salbreiter, Recording Secretary; Paul Bohn, Corresponding Secretary. |