Parish says it’s ‘our time’ to take care of iconic St. Joseph Church

Plans are underway to begin the the largest restoration and renovation project on St. Joseph Church since the historic church was built more than 140 years ago.

There have been numerous steps taken to assure the preservation of the structure. Studies and planning began in 2017 on how to best serve the parishioners while honoring the legacy of the men and women that built this parish. In 1837, when the parish was founded, most of the families were German Immigrants and many of today’s families trace their heritage to these original founders. 

According to the team leading efforts on the nearly $10 million project, it is this generation’s responsibility to ensure the iconic church is available for future generations.

The original construction took 13 years to complete. Began in 1867, it was completed in 1880. Since then it has undergone several restorative efforts including a major renovation in the 1950s and 60s that created the church’s current configuration.

In 2014, a planning group formed and only after much prayer did they begin to move forward with a multiphase plan designed to not only preserve the structure but also, add more functionality and accessibility for the parishioners.

“If you think about it, we’ve been on this journey to just restore, preserve, and renovate for seven years,” committee member Dan Fritch said. “So about half the time it took for them to build the building, we’re taking that time to make sure that we understand, educate, identify the issues that we have, and make wise choices for the future of this parish and for this building, which has become an icon in this community.”

Phase 1 was completed in 2018 and 2019 with the restoration of all of the churches stained-glass windows.

Phase 2 is set to begin in May with scaffolding going up around the building to begin to address issues on the exterior. These extensive repairs include tuckpointing, resurfacing, and even replacing blocks too damaged to repair. They also plan on addressing issues on the grounds around the building like adding better drainage to help with moisture as well as add new exterior lighting to highlight the church at night and provide extra security. The parking lot will be repaved and the drop-off/pick-up area will be expanded. The bell tower, steeple and roof truss segments are also in need of repairs.

If things go as planned, Phase 2 should be complete by Thanksgiving.

Phase 3 will cover the interior of the building and will bring about the most visible changes. Set to begin in September, the extensive plans for the interior are still being made and have to be approved by the diocese. During this time, parishioners will move into the parish center for services similar to what happened in the 50s.

Updates on the interior include adding a gathering space at the entrance to the church. A windowed wall with three entrances will be added close to where the final row of pews currently sit. This will enclose a large area that creates a transition space from the outside world into the sacred interior of the church.

“It makes it more welcoming,” Fritch said adding that although this was a change he was apprehensive about showing to parishioners, it is one that he considers to be very important.

According to Father Eugene Schmitt, the new gathering space will also allow anyone needing to step out of the nave for an upset child or other cause to still be able to observe and take part in Mass. “Somebody pointed out that I should go over into the reconciliation room,” Schmitt said about the area currently used by parents for their children. “You can’t see from in there but with the new gathering area, if they need to take their child to the back, it allows them to still feel connected and be a part of Mass.”

Another big change will be new pews with slightly inclined seat backs and a wider bench. Pews will also be spaced out a bit more allowing for more room to kneel during prayers. This will reduce the seating capacity of the church but with new stairs being added to access the balcony, planners feel any overflow can be handled.

Along with these additions and changes, the pillars and ceiling will be renovated and updated as well. Fritch mentioned the green color of the ceiling could change but plans are still underway with the architectural firm.

According to Fritch, this has been an important undertaking for the church. He pointed out that not only is the building an iconic part of the community in general, it holds a special place in many hearts as it has hosted some of their most precious memories. “I was married in this church. I have the personal experience of watching my bride walk down this aisle,” he said. “Everything from baptisms, having water splashed on your head and crying, to lighting a candle because your mother, father or friend passed away. There are a lot of connections to this building.”

“People remember those things as they walk through this church and walk this sacred ground,” Fritch added. “This is a place of hope. There’s foundation here that we can build on and keep building on for many generations to come.”

Parishioner Alan Hoffman is helping to lead the restoration and renovation efforts. Hoffman oversaw the work at the monastery in Ferdinand and is bringing that experience to the team to see this project through.

“I want to ensure this is here for the future generations. My children and grandchildren. It is a beautiful building but times have changed. Adding the gathering space and updating the sound system and lighting will make a big difference,” Hoffman said. “It will invigorate the church.”

The “Our Time” Capital Campaign was kicked off during all six of the Weekend Masses recently. According to the parish, many parishioners applauded following the announcement and there is an exceptionally strong sense of support for the need to move forward with protecting what is often called, “The Faithful Watchman of Jasper.”

To raise the funds, a large group of volunteers are currently reaching out to parishioners and other supporters throughout the community for donations. According to Fritch, the response after the announcement was tremendous. “It shows that our parishioners are behind us and what we are doing,” he said. They believe in what we’re doing. They understand it’s not about us. They understand about it’s about the next 150 years.”

More information and ways to support the efforts can be found at www.SaintJosephJasper.org.

“This church is a part of those intimate moments; marriage, baptism, funerals, all of those moments connected to faith. The important moments of people’s lives, they’re down here. So we want to have this (church) for the future,” said Father Schmitt. “Much as the past generations made it possible for us to be at this moment, we want to do the same for the future generations.”