ST. JOSEPH'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

History:

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On June 10th, 1874, Rev. A.D Filan of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Reading bought property from the Reading Railroad Company. The property is where St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church sits today. St. Joseph’s was founded for several reasons. At the time, St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church was becoming overcrowded. The sermons were in German and distance was a problem for families to go south to attend St. Peter’s Roman Catholic in Reading.

The depression of the 1870s that affected Europe and America also affected the construction of the church. It was delayed until 1886 when construction resumed. The exterior design of the church is a Gothic style. The cornerstone was laid on October 3, 1886.

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In 1905, property consisting of a house and a lot was purchased to be converted into a convent where the sisters stayed. A lot along 8th Street was purchased a year later to be used to build a school. The three-story structure contained twelve rooms. In 1926, contract work was approved for the erection of a mourning chapel, a new interior, and enlargement of the church. Eventually, the chapel was completed with the following features: new stained glass windows replaced the originals; a centerpiece stained glass window was put into the rear of the altar, and stations of the cross were replaced as well.

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The renovations that took place resulted in the church taking on features of Spanish architecture. The church celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2016.

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Congregations/Space:

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The church represents a Spanish architectural style. Stained glass windows surround the sanctuary with a centerpiece stained glass window behind the altar. Saints statues are located in the front of the sanctuary. A chapel is also located on the side of the church where worship takes place as well.

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Programs:

• Bible Study

• RICA classes

• Catechism courses

• Youth Group

• Choir

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