Parish History
Old Mission was first settled in 1841 with a few Indian wigwams and four log homes. Father Ignatius Mrak was the first Catholic Priest to say Mass on Old Mission. Two or three times a year Mass was held in a few houses and wigwams. Mapleton was the location selected by local Catholics to build a chapel in 1880. Oliver and Elizabeth St. Joseph Cemetery was established in 1898 on the west side of Center Road, between Island View |
Following an undocumented wind storm that damaged the chapel, a larger church was constructed in 1907 by Pastor Fr. Faucher. Builder O.J. Benson was assisted by members of the Swaney family and various parishioners. There was an ornate stamped tin ceiling, and a heavy wood cross topped the tall steeple. The bell tower remained empty for two years until a bell was obtained and blessed. The Stations of the Cross were made of plaster of Paris, horsehair, straw, and burlap around 1911. |
The St. Joseph Rectory was built by Oakley Lardie in 1951. The rectory is an addition built between two small cabins moved from a Traverse City resort, known as Hick's Tourist Cabins. In December of 1957 a parcel of land was donated by Tom and Irene Hoffman, and Fred and Lillian Cooledge. The cemetery size was now one acre. The St. Joseph and Blessed Virgin Altars have been in the church since its construction. However, the gold Tabernacle in the St. Joseph Altar was installed by Fr. Barrett in the late 1950's. The Communion Rail was removed in December of 1965. The bell tower was removed in 1968 as construction began on the current front entrance to the church. The original bell was secured in a new bell tower made of Onaway Stone. The balcony stairway, outdoor lighting, and a second Celotex church ceiling were among many improvements. |
In 1971, one of the cabins was removed, and the rectory was enlarged for Fr. Linus Schrems. Fr. Schrems was the first pastor to use the rectory as a permanent residence in 1972. Around 1975, The main church parking lot was paved in 1984. In 1982, Oakley, Ken , and Charlie Lardie donated the land where Denay Hall would be constructed over the next few years. Occupancy of Denay Hall was granted in 1985. |
Our sincerest thanks and gratitude to Mary Lyon. Without her extensive work to document the history of St. Joseph Parish, this summary would not be possible. Thank you Mary! |