JOYFUL JOURNEY TOGETHER

THROUGH HISTORY 1845 – 2008

The city of Tiffin was founded by Josiah Hedges in March, 1822. Catholics then began to settle here and among those immigrants were a number of German families. They formed a part of St. Mary Parish until 1845, when Bishop John Purcell of Cincinnati gave permission for them to organize as a separate congregation under the patronage of St. Joseph. In May, 1845, the parishioners bought two acres of land located at the intersection of Melmore and South Washington Streets. By the end of August, 1845, our ancestors built a 40 x 60 foot brick church costing $2500. Then a school was built which faced South Washington Street.

Rev. John Uhlmann was then appointed the first resident pastor from September, 1852 to May, 1856. Shortly after his arrival, he built a brick residence west of the church. In May, 1855, Father Uhlmann bought two acres outside the southern corporate limits of Tiffin and paid $500 for the land; it is a portion of the present cemetery, which replaced the one originally located on church grounds. Rev. Joseph Bihn was the pastor during 1856–1873. He saw the necessity of both a new church and a new school. He built the school first, constructed in 1858. This building provided a temporary place for church services. The old church was torn down in the fall of 1860. The new Gothic structured church was consecrated in 1862, measuring 140 x 60 feet, with a spire reaching 180 feet. Rev. Charles Evrard was appointed pastor in November, 1873, and his pastorate ended on May 11, 1885. The administration of Fr. John Martin Puetz, the first irremovable pastor, opened a new era in the history of the parish in the way of costly improvements. These included a new brick rectory, and a new school dedicated in 1895. Fr. John Peter Puetz succeeded his brother as pastor in May, 1897.

Fr. Francis Hultgen was appointed pastor on March 17, 1903, and served for 34 years. Under his leadership church interior renovations were completed, which included the installation of new stained glass windows and Stations of the Cross painted by Austrian artist Joseph Vittur. A new auditorium and school addition were begun in 1925 and was dedicated by Bishop Samuel Stritch on October 24, 1926. The church was destroyed by fire on April 11, 1934, with only the sanctuary and walls remaining. During the period of rebuilding, church services were held in the auditorium. During the administration of Fr. George May (1937-1944), the new church was blessed. Fr. Louis Mayle succeeded Fr. May as pastor, but due to poor health resigned on October 1, 1944.

Rev. Msgr. Richard Gabel was appointed pastor on December 20, 1944. During his time here Msgr. Gabel was active in the reorganization of the various parish societies and made many improvements to all the parish buildings. He died on June 16, 1969. Msgr. Michael Waltz was appointed to succeed Msgr. Gabel, but served less than three months when he died.

Rev. Joseph Pastorek (1970-1973), Rev. James Steinle (1973-1979), Rev. Emery Ignacz (1979-1982), Rev. Dennis Schroeder (1982-1992), Rev. James Say (1992-2007), and Rev. Joseph Szybka (present pastor) continued the work of their predecessors. During this period the sanctuary was extensively renovated in 1987-1988. The construction for the new Activity Center began July, 1997, with the dedication occurring on September 27, 1998, with Bishop James Hoffman presiding.

For over 160 years the spirit of dedication, volunteerism and sacrifice has been evident in the lives of those who have been a part of St. Joseph Parish. Our parish is people, all bound together with common beliefs and goals. We share a “joyful journey together” toward lasting peace with the Lord of us all. This is really what our journey is all about.

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