A Personal Glimpse
In the year 1838, Rev. Thomas Morrissey, an itinerant Catholic priest, traveled up and down the Indian trails within an area now known as southeastern Wisconsin.  He ministered to the early settlers in this newly found land of promise.

Following an illness, he passed away in a little settlement, now Burlington.  A stunned community, left without spiritual guidance, asked itself “now what?”  Winter was lying heavy with deep snow and bitter cold.  Under these severe conditions of the wilderness, two men walked to Milwaukee to the office of the Hierarchy for instructions as to the disposition of the remains of Fr. Morrissey.  The word was “just keep cool – put the good Padre on ice until spring, when improved weather conditions will permit a proper burial.”  Such was life (or death) on the frontier.

In the year 1842, at the corner of Wisconsin and Fifth Streets, Fr. Martin Kundig established a church dedicated to the memory of St. Luke.  Three years later it was moved to the corner of Eighth and Lake.  It was enlarged and the name changed to St. Ignatius.  It was a parish of mixed nationalities, those of German descent in the majority.  This group banded together and built St. Mary’s Church which was dedicated by Bishop Henni on August 15, 1853.

The Irish, seeing what the Germans had accomplished, also became active.  They came over to the north side and purchased property on Douglas Avenue.  In 1856 the cornerstone was laid and St. Patrick’s Church was dedicated on September 1, 1861.  Going into 1862, we find Fr. Sailer pastor at St. Mary’s and Fr. Gibson at St. Patrick’s.  St. Ignatius was closed due to lack of support.

Purchase Three Lots
Following the dedication of St. Patrick’s, the German speaking people on the north side decided that they, too, should establish a parish.  Consequently on April 30, 1862, three lots were purchased on the southeast corner of St. Patrick and Erie Streets.  It is interesting to note tha6t this property marks the northwest corner of the “original plat of Racine” as established by Guilbert Knapp, the founder of Racine, when he staked out his claim in 1834.  On November 15, 1867, this property was deeded to John Martin Henni, Bishop of Milwaukee.

A school was built in 1868.  All class work came to an abrupt end when the school was destroyed by fire in 1869.

Fr. Birkhaeuser new was pastor at St. Mary’s.  He recognized the plight of the north-siders and with his able assistance, a new two-story school was erected.  It was ready for occupancy by the end of 1870.  Classes and church services were held in the school on weekdays, but on Sunday all went to church at St. Mary’s.

It will be noted that during periods of open water, it was necessary to ferry across the river.  The cost was a penny per-person per-ride.  Of course, during cold weather the river was frozen over and a walk across spared the ferry expense.  Speculation has it that a number of those “pennies saved” found their way into the collection box.  In those days, taking up a collection amounted to pennyante.

In 1873 Fr. Birkhaeuser was transferred to St. Francis.  This created a dilemma for the northsiders but it was brief.  Being intrepid they rallied their forces, drew up plans and went to work.  The corner stone for the new church was laid on May 12, 1875.  On November 17, Fr. Michael Beiter became the first pastor and the church was dedicated on Christmas, 1876.  It was named St, Joseph’s

The church did not have a sanctuary or steeple.  A simple cupola stood at the highest point of exterior adornment.  One of our old-timers had said that if the second floor were removed down to the sub-floor, we would see inscribed thereon the design or from for the Gothic arches of the ceiling.  The arches were built around this design or form and hoisted into position via the gin pole method.

In those days, the pulpit occupied a prominent position in our church’s architecture.  It stood along the north all where the first station is presently located.  It was supported by a very ornate pillar and topped by an elegant, carved canopy.  At a later date, the canopy and pillar were removed and a confessional became a permanent part of the pulpit structure.

Legend has it that the fire and brimstone pouring from this vaunted position caused the most stalwart to tremble.  Many an ear became chafed by searing predictions of things to come as a result of derelict activity.  From this position of authority, the orator could look down on his parishioners and note with subtle disdain those nonchalant members trying to settle for a nodding acquaintance.  But woe betide the nodder.  A sudden, dazzling flash of brimstone followed by a devastating clap of thunder would snap him to attention.

In April, 1877, Fr. Victor became the new pastor.  His tenure, however, was short, being succeeded by Fr. A. Foeckler in August of the same year.  The Dominican Sisters now took charge of the school, relieving secular teachers.

Cyclone Hits
Late in the afternoon of May 18, 1883, a cyclone came roaring out of the southwest aimed directly at St. Joseph’s.  The cupola was torn loose and dashed into a pile of wreckage on the northeast corner of St. Patrick and Wisconsin Streets.

Following this disaster, a new steeple was erected, compete with bells and clock.  A new organ was installed at a cost of $3,600.  John Broecker was the first organist.  Two years later a large sanctuary was added to he church and a beautiful rectory rounded out the list of capital improvements.

Fr. Foeckler passed on in November, 1889.  At this stage of its energetic career, St. Joseph’s had only $1,900 in debts.  Fr. Fessler became the successor and further improvements in the church saw the installation of steam heat to replace the old church stoves.

Suitable facilities, adjacent to our property, were purchased for a young men’s club.  In 1894, the clubhouse burned and the land was sold.

Illness compelled Fr. Fessler to resign in October, 1892.  On December 15, Fr. Friedl arrived to carry on.  In May, 1894, he, too, became suddenly and seriously ill and was forced to resign.  Fr. John M. Bach served as the interim pastor until August 1^st, when Fr. Frantz arrived.

At this time, the high altar and the two side altars further added to the dignity of the church.

In 1897, the school was enlarged and an auditorium added upstairs at a cost of $8,000.

In 1899, gas light replaced the old kerosene lamps in the church, school and rectory.

The old well was given second rating in 1900 when city water and hot water heat were installed in the rectory.

A new Sisters’ convent was erected in 1906 at a cost of $4,270.  Prior to 1906, the kids “just left school” after completing the seventh grade.  During the 1905-1906 school year, the eighth grade was added under the able guidanc34 of Sr. Clara.  As a consequence, St. Joseph’s had its first graduating class in 1906 – six girls and one boy.

Fr. Frantz passed away August 15, 1914.  Fr. Kirsten became his successor with Fr. Biwer as assistant.

Side Doors Installed
The two side doors were now installed at the church.  A new slate roof cost $1,350 and new windows $2,300.  Fr. Biwer was replaced by Fr. Stier.  Fr. Kersten died of a heart seizure while waiting for a streetcar.

Fr. Heder arrived on February 1, 1915.  His regime introduced the new stations and electric lights in the rectory.  Boilers do not last forever.  Ours went haywire and one from the Miller Shoe Company replaced the old one.  Illness compelled Fr. Heder to resign the pastorate on September 30, 1916.

Fr. John M. Bach arrived on October 1, 1916.  During this year we also switched to electric light in the church.

On February 3, 1917, a solemn Triduum introduced the Holy Name Society.  December 2, 1917, noted Pete Schuster’s first payday as custodian.

The property north of the church was purchased in 1920.  Pew rent and reserved seats were abolished in 1922.

In 1924, the Carrara marble altar rail replaced a gem made of wood and handcarved.  In 1925, St. Joseph’s observed a Golden Jubilee on October 18^th.

By the late twenties our school, as a building, commenced to fall into disfavor.  It was becoming outdated, its facilities inadequate, and it presented a fire hazard.  Consequently, it fell before the heavy ax of condemnation.  We had no alternative and at a parish meeting held January 13, 1929, the decision to build a new school was written into the pages of parish history.

Before having it pass from view, a few moments in retrospect with the old building will ease the sorrow of parting.

The old school was a two-story, narrow, west-to-east brick structure, placed midway between our church and St. John’s property.  This set-up provided a playground between the church and school for the girls and the area south of the school for the boys.  What a contrast in recreation!  The girls confined their activities to jacks and ball, jumping rope, hopscotch, clap in and clap out and face tag.  The boys resorted to baseball, playing chase – using real leather harness lines – crack-the-whip, etc.  The Sisters invariably campaigned for strictly feminine activity among the girls.  The mild-mannered Sr. Hilary always came through with the reminder that the Blessed Virgin would cry if the girls played ball.  But for a marked contrast in personality and real excitement, all one had to do would be to wait for Sr. Corona to “come up to bat.”  Wow!

A real gem is the following never-to-be-forgotten classic.  A family named Stoffel resided in a house on the west side of Erie Street opposite the boys’ playground.  The glass companies did a pretty god business with the Stoffel residence.  If you, dear reader, can hum a little, try doing so to the tune of “It Ain’t Gonna Rain No More.”  Here are the words:  “A baseball sailing through the air Whizzed ‘cross the street a hummin’; The center fielder hollered “RUN” when he saw ol’ man Stoffel comin’.”

But, Alas!  It did rain some more.  The rain was the flood of a vociferous tirade as the stormy Sr. Stoffel blew his top.  The pastor of the day or the head sister would be sure to find himself or herself at the peace table playing the role of claim adjustor.  Fortunately, however, no one ever went to jail.  Mr. Stoffel never sued for damages; what he needed was repairs.  And so it went.  Some of the boys got into trouble and some of the girls sent to the convent.

 Snowball Fights
Each winter saw a good old snowball fight between the Catholics and the Lutherans.  The calm and quiet of a winter day would suddenly be disturbed when a snowball would casually lob into enemy territory.  Just a trial balloon!!  It could come from either side.  Both had the “atomic bomb."  Hostilities would cease and quiet restored only after one side or the other would be driven back into the shelter of its own respective school.  Casualties??  Well, maybe a window or two.

The new school was quite something for the era.  Bright, cheery classrooms, a kitchen and dining room.  “Good Heavens!  Even a gym!”  Here’s where the old-timer stroked his beard.  It was wonderful.  Modest but equal to the demands of a changing world.  Within the bonds of limitation and capability, it was a product of vision.  Everyone was happy.  Many a mother endorsed the new school as a picnic.

But the shades of night were commencing to fall on a balmy day of prosperity.  Shadows were lengthening.  Many a dream on the horizon of hope was moving out of focus in the bewildering twilight of recession.  Naturally, this was frustrating.  All obligations associated with indebtedness called for recognition.  Industry could shut down, commerce could be curtailed.  But St, Joseph’s was a beating heart in a community dependent for its life blood on the now unemployed and hard-pressed membership.

In 1931, we recorded a mortgage of $118,766.10.  The only comforting feature, however, was the thought that the nature of our problem was widespread.  It wasn’t “just US.”

The gray skies of depression continued to hang around.  This was more than just a three-day rain.

Fr. Bach moved to St. Thomas at Waterford, and in a later assignment became resident chaplain at a Senior citizens’ Home in Milwaukee.

Lights are dimmed on a quiet gathering at St. Joseph’s.  In this moment of tense expectation, the curtain on the stage of Destiny is parted and a man steps into view.  A well-built man.  He radiates an aura of confidence and strength.  His first words are a calm, subtle plea for acceptance:  “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”  The strange man is Fr. Henry J. Schmitt.

Sr. Schmitt moved about slowly, cautiously.  He recognized a problem.  Much of the hard earned cash was going down the drain as interest.  He soon found a number of parishioners ready and willing to forego any return on their savings.  These savings would be loaned to the parish without interest.  The money saved would help reduce the debt.  Fantastic!

This fortunate episode was among the first in a long chain of ambitious events, enabling us to arrive at a point where we could start to live again.

By the mid 1930’s, people were becoming handcuffed and shackled by the forces of depression.  To counter this confinement and promote some old-fashioned togetherness among parishioners, a family parish picnic was enjoyed at the George Schliesmann farm.  What a day and what a crowd!  Boys and girls, men and women, ran themselves ragged.  By nightfall, all were enjoying (or suffering) one thing in common – all were pooped!  But this was happiness.  This was togetherness.  This was St. Joseph’s.  The event encouraged further participation in parish social life.  When unable to do other things, parishioners came to the school to talk and play and sing and work and pull together.  This is the spirit that will not be denied.  There was always something doing.  The rolling stones gathered no moss.  Ice cream socials, theatrical plays, card parties, style shows, bake sales, bazaars, festivals, raffles, bingo.. Rarely was money given for prizes.  Donated merchandise was used for that purpose.  Activity revolved around the social aspect.  Consequently, in 1937, the first mortgage was $65,000. 

No Salary
This was a result of a good overseer.  Lest we forget, for a long period during St. Joseph’s financial crisis, our pastor did not take a salary.

To interrupt the activity of an illustrious career, Fr. Schmitt suffered a light stroke.  Improvement was normal and positive.  Caution, however, became a watchword in the back of his mind.  This was fine with all who knew him.  The heavy lifting was finished and now he was entitled to coast.  Further deference prompted the assignment of a second assistant to help alleviate the pressure.

History recorded another momentous occasion for jubilation.  As a reward for dedication and outstanding achievement, Fr. Schmitt was elevated to the rank of Monsignor.  Henceforth, in courteous regard for his rank, all references to tour leader were title “The Monsignor” or Monsignor Schmitt.”  St. Joseph’s was to be congratulated.  Again it had a winner.

In the year 1950, St. Joseph’s celebrated its Diamond Jubilee.  Much preparation was undertaken to mark this event.  The choir loft was given a facelift, the pulpit removed and the church redecorated.  New confessionals became a permanent part of the church structure.  The main and the two side entrances were transformed.  It will be remembered the exterior steps were hazardous, especially in winter.  A new floor presented a bright side to one bowing his head.  New pews replaced those becoming creaky with age.  The kids complained that the old kneelers had “nails in ‘em.”  They, too, were removed.  The contractual estimate was upwards of $26,000. But by now we could afford it, and the dressed up appearance gave one a confidence experienced when sporting a new hat.

By 1958, enrollment in the school was sufficient to tax normal facilities.  To relieve congestion, the Boy Scout room was transformed into a classroom for first grade pupils.  Cost of this operation was $3,748.  A little later, another classroom was arranged in the cafeteria.  This project with an addition to the rectory resulted in an outlay of $5,144.

Concern was frequently expressed for the Sisters and their crowded convent which required much modern improvement.  Property at the southwest corner of St. Patrick and Erie Streets was contemplated with an eye for something nice for the Sisters.  The land held an occupied home and time was consumed ironing out the wrinkles before purchase of the property was finally consummated.  By the time the house was vacated and razed, much had suddenly occurred to alter the way of convent life.  Sisters were abdicating to pursue other ways of endeavor.  Many Sisters were leaving the convent as a home and were taking up residence in apartments.  Fewer girls were entering the convent.  Many lay teachers were taking over in the schools.  It seemed that in our apparent procrastination to start building, the hand of intervention was working for us.

About this time, the two-story brick building north of the church was razed.  For many years it housed the John Chobanian shoe repair shop.

Parish Grieves Loss
In 1967, Monsignor Schmitt suddenly passed away.  Fate closed the curtain on an outstanding personality.  We were all visibly shaken.  We sorrowed in thought that we had to give him up, but happy that we had him to give.  In passing we bade min au revoir but not goodbye.

Fr. James Schlaffer assumed the pastorate following the death of the Monsignor.  The parish status quo was maintained.  Parishioners enjoyed Fr. Schlaffer’s sermons as being short and sweet.  His tenure as pastor was of short duration because of his assignment to the newly-established St. Monica’s home for senior citizens.

Fr. Erwin Mogilka, pastor, and Fr. Gerald Brittain, curate, appeared as the new team at St. Joseph’s  Their outgoing way of life immediately created much friendship and soon they were referred to as Fr. Erv and Fr. Jerry.  Fr. Erv soon recognized St. Joseph’s needs.  His first project was the remodeling of the Sisters’ convent.  His concern for the Sisters’ welfare was a follow-through from the point where our efforts came to a measured halt just prior to the Monsignor’s death.  Through Fr. Erv’s efforts and direction, with the able assistance of the talented craftsmen in the parish, the convent was transformed into a beautiful, practical, modern residence.

And then the church.  Al necessary scaffolding equipment was secure.  It was erected by capable parish personnel.  Steeple jacks from the parish went to work with buckets and brushed.  These boys didn’t fool around; they started right in at the top.  The marble altar rail was removed and partially reinstalled between the sanctuary and the main body of the church.  The side altars were removed, although the walled ornamentation above, slightly altered, remained.  The beautiful new altar facing the congregation is the product of imagination and skill.  A sound system and new sanctuary carpeting rounded out this extensive project.  So there you are!  A thing of beauty is a joy forever.  Remodeled for less than $2,000.

Folks who have read the “Good Book” scratched their heads with the comment, “Fr. Erv’s the one who can tear the temple down and in three days put is together again.”  Witness his and the crew’s activity at the rectory.  A complete remodeling job involving the combined talents of all crafts represented in the parish.  Plans for a new building were folded away.  The old home was new again.

Yes, the school was next in line for a facelift.  Environmental changes in the dining room, a new, up-to-date kitchen evoked universal acclaim.  Here an up, there a down, here a change, there a change; here a problem, there an answer.  Again, imagination and concentrated effort gave the school a rating above par excellence.

In the meantime, Fr. Erv celebrated his Silver Anniversary.  A quarter of a century of hard work, always capped by success.  He had hitched his wagon to a star.

The national economy was rolling right along.  People were prosperous and happy.  Our parish roster was growing.  Finances presented no problem, because the family of St. Joseph gave in labor, time and skills.  Our reputation was maintained in the wake of all papal, national and archdiocesan appeals.

On this, our centennial, St. Joseph’s finds itself an honored and respected society.

Peering through the mist across the vale of time, a philosophical view of St. Joseph’s history brings much spiritual satisfaction to the soul.  In observing the unfolding of drama at St. Joseph’s, one finds himself first of all in an atmosphere of awesome reverie.  Look at those mental giants:

LIFE – VISION – ENTHUSIASM – IMAGINATION – COURAGE – DETERMINATION.

In the face of hardship or reversal, one sees the emergence of growth, something new, bigger, better.  Again and again, one observes the twin team of challenge and determination making itself known and heard.

Following the cyclone in 1883, we saw the determination of St. Joseph’s courageously challenging Fate, “Take the old cupola – we’ll build a new steeple to the skies taller and better.”  And so it was.

New!  Change!  Growth!  That is the order in the great cosmic plan.  God does not repeat Himself.  “Tis said, no two snowflakes are alike, no two leaves the same, no two people alike but we are all one in the great plan life.  Our life is God.  God has given us life in order that He might express Himself through us.  We are one with our ancestors.  St. Joseph’s is God’s expression through our ancestors and us.

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