The beginning of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shelbyville, Indiana, is linked with the history and traditions of St. Vincent Church near Prescott (in Shelby County) and the early Catholics of Indianapolis. Here is a time line with major events in the history of our parish.
1908 |
(Aug. 2) Dedication of new church. |
1902 |
(Sept 8th) Groundbreaking for new church (current building). |
1898 |
A new plan was put into action for a new church. |
1886 |
Fr. Adelrich Kaelin, first resident pastor, builds the first rectory. |
1880 |
School grows to host 125 children. |
1876 |
School opens with 60 children, under the direction of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. |
1874 |
Fr. Rudolph acquires ground and a large frame house (with his own money) to start educating children. |
1870 |
Rev. Francis J. Rudolph is appointed first pastor. |
1868 |
(June) First Mass was celebrated (before the completion of the church). |
1865 |
Rev. John Gillig, pastor of St. Vincent’s Church purchased a lot on East Broadway. (Aug. 6th) Ground was broken for the first church building to be name St. Joseph Catholic Church (currently, the rectory) |
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