History of St. Joseph Parish
As early as 1660 the Black River Falls area was visited by a Jesuit missionary, Father Rene Menard, but it wasn't until 1857 that Saint Joseph's Mission was established. Early in 1859 Mass was occasionally offered in the Jackson County Court House. In 1867 Father Marco visited Black River Falls to plan for the erection of a Catholic Church.
- 1867 Father Kerrigan served St. Joseph's from Eau Claire
- 1870 Father Lavin lived here for a few months
- 1871 The first Catholic church was built on German Hill
- 1881 Father Morse held services semi-monthly
- 1885 Father Volz served here when St. Joseph became a mission of Neillsville
- 1898 Father Garrity became first resident pastor
- 1903 Parish traded church properties with German Reformed Congregation and occupied present location on Main Street
- 1907 - 1925 Parish is served by non-resident pastors; Fathers Kenney, Reigelsberger, Broidy, Byrne, Durward, Stuhlmann, and Englehardt
- 1925 Father William Braun becomes second resident pastor followed by Fathers Kreibich, Peters, Koopman, Thuecks, Mathieu, Landy, Murphy, Barney, Mish, Braun and presently Father Robert A. Streveler
- 1927 First religious education summer school
- 1943 Present church is dedicated
- 1950 First school opens with 49 students
- 1952 New school (present building) opens with 87 students
- 1956 First parish son, Frances Smetana becomes priest, Father Joseph, O.F.M. Cap.
- 1959 Convent (present rectory) was purchased
- 1970 First Parish Council becomes functional
- 1978 School closes with 43 students
- 1982 Church renovations completed
- 2002 Vacation Bible School joins neighbor churches "on the hill"
- 2007 Church restoration