Considering the challenges Houston faced in 1900, the story of St. Joseph’s Church Plaque is one of resilience. This plaque commemorates the historic St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. It stands as a testament to faith and community in Houston’s Old Sixth Ward.
St. Joseph’s Church began in 1879. Reverend Father Thomas Hennessy saw the need for a church and school. He wanted it to be in the part of Houston known as the Old Sixth Ward. The Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament Order started a school. Classes were held in a small rented house near the church’s present site.
By 1880, the school needed a larger building. This building would serve as both a school and a church. St. Joseph’s Parish was then organized. Services took place in the school building until a wood-framed church was ready. In 1881, St. Joseph’s became a separate parish. Father James Grabinger was its first pastor. He oversaw the construction of a chapel.
Father Anthony Maury replaced Father Grabinger in 1885. He oversaw the building of the first rectory and classrooms. In 1893, the parish bought the schoolhouse from the sisters. Father J. B. Quinlin was St. Joseph’s first Jesuit. He served only six months.
Father Thomas Banfield followed Father Quinlin. He would serve for forty-two years. On September 8, 1900, disaster struck. The Great Galveston Hurricane destroyed St. Joseph’s Church. Only a statue of the Sacred Heart survived. The school once again served as the parish church.
As the storm approached, the church bell rang a warning. This bell had a history. It was first cast in Houston in 1843. It was installed in the old St. Vincent de Paul Church. When St. Vincent’s closed, the bell went to the Church of the Annunciation. In 1881, the bell was donated to St. Joseph’s.
In 1901, construction began on a new brick church. Father Banfield wanted it to be an ornament to the city. He chose Kane Street for the new church. The sounds of the city were too distracting on Houston Avenue. The present brick structure was completed in late 1901. The cornerstone was laid on May 19, 1901.
Patrick S. Rabbit designed the building. He was a Galveston architect. George E. Dickey supervised the construction. The church’s style is Victorian Italian Romanesque. It follows a Basilican plan. The exterior is 53 feet wide and 123 feet long. The building has a clear height of 40 feet. Its design makes it one of Houston’s architectural gems.
Inside St. Joseph’s are historically significant features. The main altar is made of American and Italian marble. It was installed in 1910. The Estey organ was once at the World’s Fair in St. Louis.
St. Joseph’s was officially dedicated on February 23, 1902. Bishop Gallagher of Galveston gave the address. The church quickly became recognized as an architectural asset.
In 1911, a rectory was built on the parish grounds. A parish school building followed in 1922. This building now houses offices for the Church.
During Father Banfield’s time, St. Joseph’s survived the Depression of 1929. Many other Houston churches had to close. After a long life, Father Banfield died in 1938.
In the 1950s and 60s, church membership declined. In 1967, St. Joseph’s closed its school. The parish faced numerous problems and was close to demolition.
Father Maurice Dho became pastor in 1971. He put the Church on solid financial ground. As St. Joseph’s approached its 75th anniversary, restoration efforts began. In 1977, St. Joseph’s and Sixth Ward residents started a Multi-Ethnic Festival.
In 1911, stained glass windows were added to the Church. The Franz Myer Company of Munich, Germany created the windows.
In 1980, the Church celebrated its 100th year. In 1988, St. Joseph’s commissioned a life-size bronze statue of St. Joseph.
Today, St. Joseph’s remains a Roman Catholic church. It serves a diverse congregation. It is a hub of community activities.
St. Joseph’s is a model of inner-city church revitalization. Its history and Romanesque style make it a valuable contribution to Houston. In 1981, St. Joseph’s Church was listed on the National Registry of History Places.