A CENTURY OF FAITH:
THE HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH
Celebrating Over 100 Years of Mission, Ministry, and Multicultural Witness
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS (1922–1930)
St. Joseph Catholic Church began as a mission of St. Mary’s Parish. In 1922, Fr. James J. O’Riordan, pastor of St. Mary, purchased land on the south side of St. Petersburg. A small mission church was established in 1926, and by 1930, it became an independent parish with Fr. Michael J. Clasby as its first pastor, followed by Fr. John H. Mullins.
A SHARED JOURNEY: IMMACULATE CONCEPTION MISSION
The Immaculate Conception Mission was established in the mid-1940s to provide a spiritual home for Black Catholics at a time when racial divisions shaped worship patterns across the country. The Franciscan Sisters of Allegany ministered to local children and often worked across barriers to ensure the sacraments could be received. In 1948, Fr. John Murphy, pastor of St. Joseph (1941–1970), assumed pastoral care of the Mission, which operated in humble beginnings, including a repurposed barn.
The Immaculate Conception School began with just three students in 1952 and grew steadily over time. For decades, Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph operated as parallel communities. Though close in distance, they reflected the segregated realities of their time.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PHYSICAL EXPANSION
The parish campus evolved significantly through the years. A hall was purchased for $80.50. In 1938, the rectory was built across the street. A convent was established in 1951. The 1960s saw the addition of new bells and a steeple—enhancements that reflected a maturing parish, which by then served over 300 families.
GROWTH AND EDUCATION: THE PARISH SCHOOL (1952–1985)
In 1952, St. Joseph opened the city’s first Catholic school on the grounds now home to the Immaculate Conception Early Childhood Development Center. Staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, the school educated children from kindergarten through 8th grade. Changing demographics and enrollment trends led to its closure in 1985.
CHALLENGES AND TRANSITIONS: THE 1960s–1980s
After Fr. Murphy’s retirement in 1968, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) assumed leadership, guiding the parish through changing times. Pastors such as Fr. Thomas McGrady, Fr. Edwin Hayes, and Fr. John Hanley provided steady leadership. In 1977, Fr. Joseph Farraioli arrived amid population shifts and economic challenges, noting that the parish endured thanks to the faithfulness of its people.
Fr. Roland Bennett (1980–1988) led efforts to renew both liturgical life and parish facilities. He introduced a more participatory worship space and shepherded the sensitive but meaningful process of integrating the two parish communities. While not without struggle, this marked a turning point in building a more united parish.
A RENEWED SPIRIT: INCLUSIVE WORSHIP AND JUSTICE INITIATIVES
In 1988, Fr. Bill Mason brought a vibrant spirit of inclusivity rooted in African-American worship traditions. He welcomed broader lay participation, expanded music ministry with a Gospel choir, and introduced community revivals and visiting choirs. These changes, although initially unfamiliar to some, laid the groundwork for a deeper understanding of Catholic worship and identity.
Fr. Mason also helped co-found CUCA (Congregations United for Community Action), helping the parish become a local leader in justice advocacy and interfaith collaboration.
UNITY AND MULTICULTURAL GROWTH: FR. ARTHUR PROULX (1994–1997)
When the Oblates withdrew in 1994, a diocesan priest, Fr. Arthur Proulx, was appointed pastor. He built on the parish’s justice work, leading a march to reclaim Lakeview Park for neighborhood families. He also welcomed the growing Vietnamese Catholic community, the Martyrs of Vietnam, who began worshipping at St. Joseph and added to the parish’s rich cultural tapestry.
NEW ENERGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE: FR. CALLIST NYAMBO (1997–2005)
Appointed in 1997, Fr. Callist Nyambo became the parish’s first African-born pastor. His leadership revitalized the campus: installing a new roof, air conditioning, sound system, and landscaping. He also provided a clear sense of direction, embodied in the 2000 Jubilee Year celebration—a moment to reflect on the past and look forward with purpose and unity.
MODERNIZATION AND OUTREACH: 21st-CENTURY MINISTRY
The 2000s brought continued renewal. Fr. Timothy Sherwood oversaw major renovations, including the construction of a new Parish Hall and the installation of a bronze icon of St. Joseph at the entrance—a visible symbol of hospitality and welcome.
Fr. John Gerth strengthened youth ministry and religious education. His leadership of Vacation Bible School, mission trips to Haiti, and involvement in campus ministry at Eckerd College deepened the parish’s commitment to formation and service.
Fr. Stephan Brown, SVD, served the parish in various capacities during this time, contributing to neighborhood outreach and youth engagement. His work included annual Thanksgiving food drives, weekly food pantry operations, and family-centered events such as cookouts, basketball tournaments, and the arrival of a helicopter, “Flying Santa.”
In recent years, a formal partnership has been established between St. Joseph Parish and the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. This collaboration is led by Fr. Tom Morgan, who serves as Rector of the Cathedral and Parochial Administrator of St. Joseph. Under his leadership, the Cathedral assists in the administration of St. Joseph Parish and oversees key areas of parish life, including pastoral care, catechesis, and financial stewardship. This shared mission strengthens the unity of the broader diocesan community and ensures ongoing support for St. Joseph’s vibrant and evolving ministry.
A LEGACY OF FAITH AND WELCOME
From its roots as a small mission to its present-day role as a multicultural and mission-driven parish, St. Joseph Catholic Church has remained a place of prayer, service, and community. Today, the parish reflects a mosaic of cultures and backgrounds, all united in faith and love.
St. Joseph is more than a parish. It is a home where everyone belongs.
“WE HAVE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH!”
ABOUT THIS HISTORY
This historical account was initially composed by former parishioner Keith Woods for the 2001 Jubilee Year. It was later expanded with contributions from Fr. Stephan Brown, SVD, and revised by Deacon John Carter to reflect the parish’s evolving mission and multicultural identity. This updated version seeks to honor the people, traditions, and spiritual strength that have made St. Joseph Catholic Church a beacon of faith in South St. Petersburg.