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The Modern Restoration


Genesis 28:17

Lest it ever be taken for granted, this
simple reminder can be seen over the
entryway of the Church.

 

In 1973 Father John Houlihan came to St. Joseph as pastor and served for two years. In 1975 Father Joseph Eilers became pastor. In 1985 Father Albert Schmaltz became St. Joseph’s 13th pastor. Father Schmaltz made many improvements to the parish facilities including central air conditioning for the church, additional restrooms for both the church and the school, and a computer center in the school building. Father Schmaltz also modernized the church bells, which now ring on an electronic timer. He replaced the church pews, added a cry room, and put a new roof and copper gutters on the church. He began work on the grotto at the entrance to the cemetery.


"The Happy Death of St. Joseph"

A closer view of the mural which covers
the domed ceiling of the Sanctuary

Father Schmaltz also directed the restoration of the mural above the altar. The mural, as the story goes, was originally painted by a traveling artist who appeared unsolicited and offered to paint the domed ceiling. After completing the work, the artist left the area before the negotiated fee could be paid and without signing the painting. This generous artist remains anonymous today, lending an air of divine origination to the painting. This otherwise traditional Catholic image is reflected upon by the St. Joseph Parish faithful each day. In 1991, Fr. Schmaltz commissioned a restoration of the painting. This work was performed by parishioners James Hakenwerth, who restored the plaster surface, and Linda Wilmes, who restored the painted image. It is a faithful re-creation of the original work of art. Father Schmaltz retired in 1994 and passed away in November 2001. He currently rests in the parish cemetery.


The Nave and Sanctuary
of St. Joseph Church

Father Raymond Liermann came to St. Joseph in 1994 and served for three years as pastor, until his retirement in 1997.

June 1997 saw the arrival of Fr. Timothy Elliott. Father Elliott installed air conditioning in the school buildings, renovated the convent into classrooms and a computer room, completely renovated the rectory and restored the church interior to it's current beauty as shown in these photos.

St. Joseph's 16th and present Pastor, Father Larry Huber was installed in July of 2006. The St. Joseph Parish family looks forward to continuing the spiritual journey under Fr. Huber's direction.
 

   

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