Father James Brazill, a “circuit rider” priest, and others served the early Catholic pioneers from 1843 to 1877. During this time masses were said in the homes and in leased buildings around Winterset.

The need for burials arose and ground was given by a Mr. Applegate in 1884 for a burial ground for the Catholics and became a part of Stringtown Cemetery in Douglas Township. The cemetery is about seven miles northwest of Winterset. Other cemeteries which served the Catholic community included the Winterset Cemetery (also known as Rock City Cemetery), St. Patrick’s Cemetery, and Mt. Calvary Cemetery west of Churchville.

In 1878 the first brick church was built on land east of our present church at a cost of $1,500. It was not until 1892 that St. Joseph’s parish was established which included an area of proximately seven-eighths of Madison County. The early pioneers were served by “circuit rider” priests until the appointment of a priest to this parish.

The first resident priest of St. Joseph’s, Father H.J. Albers, came in 1903. He was followed by Father Patrick Feeley who remained until 1909.

During the pastorate of Father James A. Troy from 1909-1912, the present brick church with a red tile roof was constructed in 1911 at a cost of $8,000.00. The bell was a gift from Mary Monaghan and her brother John. Beautiful stained glass windows, nine large ones and four small ones, were made in Munich, Germany, and installed at St. Joseph’s. These were given as gifts by several of the parishioners and they portray gospel stories. The cornerstone contains a bronze box filled with items of interest of that time in history.

St. Joseph's Church (Built in 1878)

Photo Courtesy of 1915 Madison County History

St. Joseph's Church (Built in 1911)

Photo Courtesy of Kent Transier

In the early days of St. Joseph’s and Altar and Rosary Society was formed. This group has a long and continuous record of dedicated service to the needs of the church. 

Under the leadership of Monsignor John W. Higgins, the Third Order of St. Francis was established in 1962. The Third Order consists of religious and lay men and women who try to emulate St. Francis's spirit by performing works of teaching, charity, and social service.

In September, 2008, ground was broken on North 8th Street, near Highway Bypass 169, for a new church complex. The new church was dedicated on August 23, 2009.

Church leadership between 1912 and 1984 is shown below.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church Leadership (1912-1984