History of St. Joseph Church, Fairpoint

In 1905 by Rev. R. A. MacEachen was assigned to the community of twenty-five Polish families living in the town of Fairpoint. For three years was Mass celebrated in a private home. In the year 1908 the people contributed the sum of $800 for the purpose of building a church. In March, 1909 Rev. James Biernonski was appointed the first pastor. For about a year he lived in a house rented from a coal company. In 1910 he built a house of six rooms. In 1911 due to failing health, he left the congregation for seven months and his duties were performed by the Rev. Charles L. Walsh. Due to his being in poor health, Father Bieronski resigned.

In May, 1913, Rev.  T. Stankiewicz became the pastor, remaining for seven months, and resigned from the pastorate because of the dissatisfaction of the people. In December, 1913 Rev. S. Szadzinski was assigned as pastor. The congregation consisted mostly of Polish people and had three missions attached. There are 404 souls in the parish. During the years 1918 to 1943, the only important change in this parish was the building of a new church, with the old one being turned into a school. The interior of the church was finished gradually as the people had the funds to meet the expense of the improvements. The school of 116 students was taught by three lay teachers. Rev. George A. Masley was the pastor and the parish numbered about 400 souls. In 1945 Rev. Cornelius F. Gallagher was appointed pastor. In the year 1946 a tract of land was purchased by Bishop John King Mussio, and given to St. Joseph's Parish.

Plans were made to build a rectory and church upon the newly-acquired site. The most urgent need at time was a new rectory. After completion of the rectory, work was begun on the church. Both church and rectory were tastefully matched and constructed of red brick.  F. H.  Vincenzo & Sons built both buildings. Accommodating 200 worshippers, the country church measured 72 by 32 feet. The total cost of the structure was $38,000.00. The parishioners themselves pledged  $15,000.00, and the Catholic Church ExtensionSociety of Chicago assisted the project with a $5,000.00 gift. 

On June 1, 1947 Bishop John King Mussio administered the Sacrament of Confirmation for the first time to 108 members of the parish. Included in the class were  59 adults and 49 children. The new church was formally dedicated by Bishop Mussio on the 16th of September, 1950.
In 1956 Rev. Francis X. McCarthy undertook the enlarging of the sanctuary. The altar was replaced, the sanctuary was paneled and carpeted. Father John B. Nadzam became the administrator in 1957. He was replaced by Father Richard Shields who was succeeded by Father Howard Litts. Father George Coyne served the parish from 1968 until the summer of 1972. Father Holler also assisted in 1972. Father Leonard was the administrator from 1973 until June 1980. He was followed by Father Raymond Smithberger. Father James Boehm became pastor in 1983 and was followed by Father Charles Sargus who served from 1984 until 1988. Father Virgil Reischman was pastor of the parish from 1988 until 1991. Father Thomas Graven became the pastor on June 13, 1991 and served the parish until it closed on January 1, 2015.