Milford - St. Joseph

MILFORD - St. Joseph Parish was established in 1890. Catholic families were previously served by traveling priests beginning in 1873. Irish and German families of the parish chose to name their new community St. Patrick.

The first permanent building was a 30-foot by 40-foot wooden structure costing the early settlers about $1,300. This was an impressive investment considering at the time butter sold for 8 cents a pound and a dozen eggs cost seven cents.

The first priest to reside in Milford to serve the parish and surrounding areas was Father P. McCauley. He was, unfortunately, able to stay only briefly. Milford St. Patrick's once again was to rely on traveling priests.

In 1909, Bishop Garrigan appointed Father E. C. Meyers to Milford where approximately 25 Catholic families resided. Father Meyers was warmly received by all. The following year, 1910, while on a pilgrimage to The Holy Land, Father Meyers was profoundly inspired by the patron saint, St. Joseph.

Father Meyers believed St. Joseph, through his intercession, could profoundly inspire the efforts of the parishioners back home. When Father Meyers returned to Milford, amazing changes were in progress. For example, in 1911, Milford experienced significant population growth. A new public school was needed to accommodate that growth. Seizing the opportunity, Catholic parishioners purchased the old public school for $850 and moved it to recently purchased land near the edge of town. The original small church was also moved at that time and an 18 x 18-foot addition was constructed to expand it. The relocated church and school were dedicated by Bishop Garrigan in 1912.

When the newly acquired Catholic school opened in September of 1913, there were 50 pupils in grades 1-8. Some students boarded at the school during the week. The new Catholic school became a beacon to Catholics throughout Iowa seeking a new life. Within two years, a school addition was needed to accommodate grades 9-12.

By the late 1940's, St. Joseph's School enrollment reached 150. As time progressed, high school enrollment diminished to a point where grades 9-12 could no longer be sustained. In 1966, the original school building was razed, making way for a modern elementary facility. In 1974, however, the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, who had taught at the school for more than 61 years, bid farewell to St. Joseph's Parish. Their loss dictated school closure. Today, that same building provides parish offices, meeting rooms and religious education classrooms.

The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration of LaCrosse, Wis., served St. Joseph's School and the parish for many years. Four women from St. Joseph's have joined that order over the years: Sister M. Winifred (Cecelia Hinners in 1918), Sister M. Jerome (Mary Heller, 1926), Sister M. Justiana (Caroline Wingert, 1927) and Sister M. Gerosa (Emma Kriz, 1952).

There have been three priests from St. Joseph ordained: Father Francis J. Berning, 1927, Father Leonard Clausen, 1941, and Father Steven Broderson, 1985. One permanent deacon has been ordained, M. Peter Hart, 1986.

Today, St. Joseph's serves 577 families and is clustered with St. Mary's of Spirit Lake. Father James A. Bruch has served as pastor since July of 1998.

Reminiscent of challenges Father Meyers faced in the early part of the 20th century, St. Joseph's is currently funding another building project. A parish gathering center and handicapped accessibility to all parish facilities is needed. To that end, St. Joseph Parish continues to look to its future.