Hartley - St. Joseph

HARTLEY - The Catholic church was established in Hartley in about 1890 with Father Sullivan and Father McCormack serving the families of the parish. Father McCormack offered Mass in a room over the Gross and Herbst Store, and a hall on the east side of the street. Pastors in the vicinity celebrated Mass in the theatre building once a month and in the T. H. Berne funeral parlors.

Father Cooper, who was known for his patience and kindness, was in charge of the mission at that time. Faith and the cooperation of the pastors and parishioners made possible the small St. Joseph's Church.

In 1923, Father Joseph J. Dalhoff was pastor of the 18 families which comprised the mission. Father Dalhoff and his flock decided it was time to have a church. Through the assistance of the "Extension Magazine Society" and the labors of the pastors and others, Adventist Church and a schoolhouse were purchased. The two frame buildings were moved into Hartley, remodeled and consecrated for use a church.

The Catholic families were happy to have the privilege of attending Mass every Sunday. Years later, while Father Joseph Fitzpatrick was pastor, new vestments were purchased and many improvements were made to the building. This was made possible by the parishioners holding various social affairs in their homes to raise funds and by doing much of the work themselves.

By 1948, the original church was too small to accommodate the growing mission. A remodeling program was completed under the direction of Father Edward Fandel. The seating capacity was doubled and the basement enlarged and modernized, making it suitable and convenient for Catechetical instruction, Altar Society meetings, vacation school and social functions.

In recent years, it was again realized that larger and more modern facilities were needed to provide for the spiritual needs of the people of the parish. Property was purchased in the northwest part of Hartley for future construction. By the spring of 1969, with ample funds on hand, the planning and construction of the present church began.

Dedication for the new church was held on July 19, 1970. Dedication was presided over by Bishop Joseph M. Mueller.

Priests who have served the parish are the following: Father Timothy J. Sullivan, Father James McCormack, Father L. J. Cooper, Father Clarence P. Conway, Father Joseph J. Dalhoff, Father Joseph Wolf, Father M. J. Hetherington, Father J. J. Farrelly, Father Joseph T. Fitzpatrick, Father Edward Fandel, Father Thomas H. Molloy, Father Frank Brady, Father Robert R. Joynt, Father Clement Flannery, Father Joseph A. Kerwin, Father Robert Gralapp, Father Gerald Zeman, Father Patrick J. Nooney, Father Jerome P. Coyle, Father Elmer D. Thom, Father Miles J. Barrett, Father Cecil W. Friedmann, Father David A. Hemann and Father Tim Johnson.