| Additional Information: | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office.
POINTED ARCHED WINDOWS AND ENTRY.
In 1862, 42 families broke away from St. Mary's congregation and organized this parish. Far a while, they attended Sunday masses at St. Mary's, but eventually built a school (1870) and used it for services. The CCB, Victorian Gothic edifice, set on a limestone foundation, is trimmed with cut stone and sheet metal. The steeple, three bells and the sacristy were added to the original structure at a later date.
This church, whose congregation dates back to 1862, recently renovated its interior in anticipation of the celebration. Its 142-foot steeple is considered one of the most ornate in the city, and its entrance tower holds three bells, which are still rung by rope. Other interior features include a historic pipe organ- with 50 sets of pipes- and original stained-glass windows.
"Travel between the Northside and Southside was not always as easy as it is today. St. Joseph's congregation was founded in 1875 because German Catholics on the Northside had difficulty getting to St. Mary's church on the Southside over the poor roads that then existed.
Much of the church was built by volunteer labor of the parishioners. Franz Fischer, a general mechanic, drew up the plans and acted as superintendent.
Archbishop Henni of Milwaukee dedicated the church on May 12, 1878. Originally there was a cupola where the spire is now, and no sanctuary. The spire, clock and bells were added at the same time as the rectory, about 1885. The two doors flanking the tower are also later additions.
St. Joseph's tall spire, steep roof, pointed windows and buttresses are typical of the Gothic Revival style of church building. Its many vertical lines make the church seem very tall, as though, it were reaching for the heavens." Renewing Our Roots: The Northside, Racine, Wisconsin, Preservation-Racine, Inc., not dated. |
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