St. Joseph's Church

Parish Founded, January 24, 1851

Church Erected and Blessed, December 19, 1853
The blessing of a Church is a simple yet dignified rite, consisting of the sprinkling of holy water and the recital of prayers, thus making it a sacred place. Bishop Bernard O’Reilly presided.

Formally Dedicated, July 15, 1855
The dedication of a Church is a more solemn rite, dating back to ancient Biblical times and confirmed by Apostolic usage, consisting of public prayers and hymns, sprinkling of holy water, celebration of Mass by the Bishop and the deposition of sacred relics into the altar mensa. Bishop O’Reilly presided, and Bishop McGill of Richmond preached.

Consecrated, July 16, 1905
The consecration of a Church is the most solemn form of blessing a Cathedral or other significant Church. Several days in length, it includes suitable fasting the day prior, mutiple blessings of both the exterior and interior walls, and the anointing of twelve crosses on the interior walls with a candle affixed at each location, symbolizing the Apostolic foundation of the Church by Christ.
A consecrated Church is privileged to celebrate its anniversary each year, enjoys an indelible mark on the building, forbidding its use for common or profane purposes, and elevates the edifice in perpetuum, free from the powers of evil and more conducive for the offering of the Sacred Liturgy and the prayers of the faithful.
Bishop Matthew Harkins of Providence presided, assisted by Bishop Beaven of Springfield, Massachusetts, who preached.