St. Joseph’s

Mass Schedule

St. Joseph’s Catholic

Catholic Church History

The original St. Joseph Church was known as the “Church of the Irish.” When it was dedicated, it became the fourth Catholic Church in the city of Charleston.

The original building was built in 1852 and was used by the Zion Presbyterian Congregation. The building was bought at auction by the Diocese of Charleston. The church was dedicated by Bishop Patrick N. Lynch on May 5, 1861. The Reverend Patrick Ryan, an assistant at St. Mary’s Church, is given credit for urging the establishment of the church, realizing the need for a church for the poor Irish immigrants of the “borough” in 1860. The Reverend Leon Fillion was the first rector.