History of St. Joseph

People often comment on the beauty of the large gothic style church in East Bristol, Wisconsin that was built in 1890. However, the true roots of the East Bristol Church go back much further than the present stone structure. In fact, the beginnings of the church in East Bristol date back to the mid 1840’s.

In the fall of 1845, the first five families arrived from Unterfranken, Bayern, to settle in the area known today as East Bristol. Other families from Germany would also come later. They came from Wetfalen, Swaben, Breitendiel, Ohrenbach, and also neighboring Austria. By 1846, 24 families were established in this area then called “New Franken.” These families formed the foundation of St. Joseph Church. In 1847, Fr. Adalbert Inama, from nearby Roxbury, Wisconsin arrived to serve the religious needs of these early families. Prior to 1850, when the first log church was completed, religious services were held in the homes of area settlers. These early missionary priests were Fr. Inama, Fr. Xavier, and Fr. Haider. It was during these early years that many disagreements arose over the location of the church and the incorporation of the local church ownership. However, by 1855 sufficient consensus was reached so that the Fr. Johann Haslbauser was installed as St. Joseph’s first permanent pastor.

Over the ensuing years the log church was repaired, remodeled, and added on to until it was replaced by a larger brick church under the leadership of Fr. Maximilian De Becke in 1865. The brick structure served the needs of the congregation until the 1890’s when the parish membership had grown such that the present stone church was constructed under the direction of Fr. Ignatious Klein. A major remodeling of the present stone church occurred in the early 1960’s while Monsignor Raymond Klaas was pastor of St. Joseph. In December 1965, the remodeled church was blessed and consecrated by Bishop William O’Conner.

Since the early beginnings with Fr. Haslbauer and the 1855 log church, over 39 priests have served this parish.

Today St. Joseph is served by Fr. Jared Holzhuter.