Old St. Joseph Church

For almost 200 years, a small chapel erected by Father Albanal stood where Old St. Joe’s is now located. Then, in 1870, Bishop Melcher established a parish which the locals referred to as the “French Church.” Father Durin established the Association of Saint Joseph in 1888. Shortly after, in 1889, the building was destroyed due to a lightning strike. A new church was dedicated the next year in September of 1890.

Father Bernard Pennings, O. Praem arrived in De Pere September 28, 1898. Shortly after his arrival, the diocese sold the church to the Norbertine Fathers. The Norbertine Order used Saint Joseph Church as a means to start Saint Norbert High School and Saint Norbert College. In 1969, the church was finally designated as “Church at Saint Norbert College” after renovation of the interior into a more modern style and was the first college parish in the United States. This was celebrated by a rededication liturgy on September 20^th of that year.

The church was rededicated and the name was changed from Saint Joseph Church to Old Saint Joseph church October 10, 1976. This change took place because a new church named Saint Joseph Church was built on Lourdes Avenue.

A second renovation under the Norbertine Order broke ground July 12, 1998 to update the building. Bathrooms were finally added as well as a gathering area, lounge, oratory chapel, sacristy, and a basement to house classrooms and heating and air conditioning facilities.

The Church is a vital piece of St. Norbert College history. It is always open to everyone from 6am to 11pm. Masses are held on Sundays at 10am and 7pm. A special hour every Wednesday at 10am is set aside for what is known as Common Prayer or Sacred Hour. At this time no classes are allowed to be held and a non-denominational prayer time is held at the church for anyone to attend.

The beautiful interior of Old St. Joe's in 1969. This photograph was taken before the interior was remodeled.

This is an image of a photgraph hanging on the wall insinde of Old St. Joe's. This is a picture of the interior of the church after it was remodeled in 1969. Carpet was added as well as other distinguishing features to create a more modern look.

This is what the interior of Old St. Joe's Church looks like today. The interior was remodeled for a second time unter the Norbertine order in 1998. Besides needed updates for the facility, the walls were taken down to show the original masonry and beautiful wood floors were once again laid.

Old St. Joe's is not only a historical centerpiece for St. Norbert College, it also integrates the community with campus life by welcoming anyone to join in mass or visit the church.