Saint Joseph

Catholic Church

The Oldest Catholic Church of Saginaw Valley, established in 1850
 

Convent –  1966

                 In 1965, the Dominican Sisters were still living in the convent which had been moved to the northeast corner of Third and Farragut streets in 1941 to make room for the construction of the auditorium/gymnasium.  Ground was broken on March 13, 1966 for construction of a new convent on a southeast corner of Third and Grant, across from the rectory.    The first Mass in the new building was celebrated by Fr. Favre on January 31, 1967, and dedication by the Very Reverend Theodore LaMarre  took place April 23, 1967, with an open house for parishioners.  Construction cost was $182,000.00.  After the school closed in 1996, the building was sold. 

Rectory –  1968

                Concentration then began on plans for a new rectory for the Holy Ghost Fathers.  The priests moved across the street into one of the old houses the parish owned on Third and Farragut, the 1897 rectory was razed, and construction began on the northeast corner of Third and Grant streets.

                The two-story residence was completed in September 1968, after being held up by labor strikes.   It was spacious and well-furnished for the four priests serving the parish at that time   Since 1999 it now houses the Pastoral Team and is also used for parish offices and meeting rooms.

Mary’s Rose Garden – 1975

                Mary’s Rose Garden, located between the church and rectory, was designed and planted by Fr. Stanley J. Trahan, C.S.Sp., a native of Bay City and assistant pastor and hospital chaplain in the 1970s. It serves as a peaceful, secluded retreat with its many varieties of rose bushes, annuals, perennials and shrubbery.  Statues of Mary, fountains and wrought iron benches invite all to rest and meditate. 

                The Rose Garden had become rather neglected after Fr. Trahan left in 1981 until Fr. Christopher McDermott revived interest in it during his pastorate (1988-93).  Parishioners continue to care for the gardens.

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