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This fall marks century milestone for Saint Joseph Catholic Church
DALE, Ind. — In the late 1800s, the closest Catholic church to Dale was approximately five miles away at Mariah Hill. Even though the distance was not great, in times when roads were bad and transportation slow, the trip from Dale could be quite tedious for a family.

By 1895 there were 35 Catholic families in Dale. The families had expressed their interest in building a church in their hometown, to Father Maurice Wagner, OSB, their pastor at Mary, Help of Christians. They were told they were too close to Mariah Hill and there were not enough families to necessitate a separate congregation.

Approaching the bishop of Indianapolis, the Most Rev. Francis Silas Chatard, DD, a separate parish was again discouraged due to the small group of families. Not to be deterred, John Wahl Sr., William Schwartz, John Karcher and George Hufnagel purchased five acres west of the town for $225 to build a church.

Approval was secured on Feb. 26, 1906, and a meeting was once again held by the Catholics in Dale to plan for the building of a church. In two days the members raised $2,000. Nevertheless, it wasn’t until 1908, when Wahl contacted Father Maximillian Wolf of St. Martin Catholic Church in Chrisney about building a church, that their perseverance finally came to fruition.

On Nov. 22, Father Wolf called a meeting to discuss the plans for building the new church. After much discussion concerning the choice of a site, it was determined by popular vote that Haines Hill on the south side of town was a “desirable and conspicuous” location. This site, consisting of three acres, was purchased from Dr. W.H. Williams for $150 per acre.

Ground was broken on Jan. 21, 1909; however, because of bad weather during the winter months, major construction did not begin until April. On June 3, the parish laid the cornerstone of the church. There was quite a celebration as it was reported that an estimated 3,000 people attended this joyous occasion.

The church was completed in the fall of 1909 at a cost of $8,500. The congregation saw their church dedicated on Oct. 24, with the Rt. Rev. Abbot Athanasius Schmitt, OSB, of St. Meinrad Abbey officiating. The new parish consisted of not more than 160 members.

A 969-pound bell was purchased from the Henry Stuckstede Bell Foundry for $270 to hang in the church tower. The strong and melodious sound of the bell was used to call the parishioners to services.

Father John Brosmer is the current pastor of Saint Joseph Catholic Church.
11/18/2009