Barnum - St. Joseph

BARNUM - Before a Catholic church was built in Barnum, Mass was celebrated once every three or four months in the various homes of the parish's future parishioners. In 1887, they decided to build a church and at a cost of $250 purchased property on which the church and rectory now stand.

Parishioners contributed the building materials and labor so the church was not dedicated until 1897. By December 1889, the church had progressed to a point where services could be held. In 1893, the building program was stepped up with the appointment of Father D.J. Heelan. At this time the original floor plans were altered to the extent that the seating capacity of the church was almost doubled. A winter chapel, organ gallery and a spire were also built and furnishings were obtained for the church.

The Barnum Opera House was built by Father Heelan, with a dramatic company organized from members in the parish. Regular performances by this group provided additional funds to complete the church.

In 1897, the dedication of Barnum's first church was described in the headlines as "An Epoch in the Life of our Neighboring Village." The day was celebrated as a holiday by everyone in the vicinity in spite of the heavy rain which was said to have seriously interfered with the holiday exercises; which had to be abandoned except for the ball game and the address by the speaker of the day.

In 1962, the parishioners decided to tear the old church down and build a new one on the same location. It was built at a cost of $55,000, which was obtained by assessments from each family. During its construction the 65 families attended services in the basement of the parish hall.

Following the blessing and dedication of the new church, the first Mass in the new edifice was sung by the pastor, Father Daniel Lynch, on Feb. 10, 1963. Pastors who have served the church are Father Kirk, Father Kelley, Father D.J. Heelan, Father J.J. Ryan, Father J. Fitzpatrick, Father James Shanahan, Father Francis Staber, Father Bob Condon, Father Robert Fangman, Father Alfred Loeffelholz, Father James McCormick, Father Richard Remmes and Father Gerald Hartz.

In July 1985, St. Joseph clustered with St. Matthew's of Clare, with Father Michael Larkin serving both parishes and residing at St. Matthew's. Father Gary Snyder moved into the rectory in 1984 until 1990, serving as superintendent of St. Edmond High School and the Catholic Schools of Fort Dodge, he celebrated daily and holiday Masses. Father Tim Boekelman lived in the rectory from August of 1991 to 1992 and taught at St. Edmond High School. In June of 1986, Father Richard Kielbasa succeeded Father Larkin as pastor followed by Father LeRoy Seuntjens in June 1991. Father Dale Reiff came in January 1994.

In July 2000 St. Joseph's became part of a team ministry consisting of five parishes which include St. Matthew's, Clare; Corpus Christi, Sacred Heart and Holy Rosary, all of Fort Dodge. Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo appointed four priests to serve on this team - Father Ed Girres, Father Lynn Bruch, Father Larry Burns and Father Christian Van Oosbree. The four share the pastoral leadership.

Young men from the parish who became priests are: Robert Condon, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Condon; Mert McMahon, son of Mr. and Mrs. M.F. McMahon; and Mark Walsh, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Walsh. Young women who became sisters are: Stella Condon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Will Condon; Mary Rial, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Rial; Annette George, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert George; Lucille Heid, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Orie Heid; and Emma Connors, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Connors.