Columbia Celebrates 75 Years of Faith and Community at St. Joseph Catholic Church
This past Sunday, the beautiful city of Columbia was alive with joy and nostalgia as St. Joseph Catholic Church marked its 75th Anniversary. The celebration kicked off with a heartfelt Mass led by The Most Reverend Jacques Fabre-Jeune, C.S., the Bishop of Charleston. Parishioners and guests gathered not just to worship but to pay homage to decades of community, hope, and unwavering faith.
The current cathedral, which has been a cornerstone of the Columbia community since its dedication on September 11, 1949, symbolizes much more than just a place of worship. Originally, the parish started as St. Francis de Sales Church located at 516 Maple Street, within a modest building constructed during World War II by Camp Jackson. Locals fondly referred to it as the “cardboard cathedral” since it was established as a wartime recruitment center.
The Vision Behind St. Joseph Catholic Church
As the St. Francis de Sales parish began to thrive and outgrow its humble beginnings, plans were set in motion to create something greater—a new Catholic Church serving the parishioners of Columbia. Thanks to the generosity of Monsignor Charles Dubois Wood, former priest of the Diocese of Charleston, a significant bequest of $120,000 was designated specifically for this purpose. The funds considerably helped in establishing St. Joseph as a beacon of faith.
Monsignor Richard D. Harris, the current pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, humbly celebrated this landmark achievement by stating, “After the bequest was made to build another Catholic Church in Columbia, the contributions began to come in to meet the goal to build the new cathedral. Donations were given by Catholics and non-Catholics. This is a real testimony to the people of Columbia and their support of the Catholic Church in their community.”
Expanding Community and Planning for the Future
Over the past 75 years, St. Joseph Catholic Church has flourished, adding a school for young children, a serene rose garden, and a modern office building. Currently, the church prepares for a new chapter with ambitious plans that include raising funds for a stunning fresco dome above the cathedral and acquiring a magnificent mechanical action pipe organ, developed by renowned builder C.B. Fisk.
The celebration Mass featured two choral pieces chosen by the late Madame Gertrude Tremblay Baker, who significantly contributed to the church’s music program from its inception in 1948 until 1975. Parish members welcomed back fond memories of those early days as they came together as a community.
A Day of Remembrance and Celebration
After the special anniversary Mass, churchgoers gathered on the lawn for a delightful picnic, sharing laughter and cherished stories. Julie Castrichini Rotureau and her sister, Terry Castrichini Hodaly, reflected on their childhood memories, recalling how central the church was in their family’s life. They grinned while sharing nostalgic tales about Monsignor Kamler’s infamous visits, their first communion, and even the amusing chaos caused by dogs barking during services.
Moreover, South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Toal, who also has deep roots in St. Joseph, joined in the celebrations. As a former choir member, she shared how her family has cherished this parish over the years, and she now serves as a lector and eucharistic minister. Chief Justice Toal’s heartfelt sentiments echo those of countless parishioners dedicated to this vibrant community.
A Strong Community Foundation
Another long-time member, Theresa Kurtz Harper, reminisced about attending St. Francis de Sales with her parents, who joined in 1940 after World War II. She now continues that legacy with her children, all of whom have benefitted from the education and community offered by the church and St. Joseph School.
In closing, Monsignor Harris beautifully summarized the strength of St. Joseph Catholic Church, stating, “St. Joseph Catholic Church is a very vibrant parish with a lot of young families and several with young children. This is the future of our church. St. Joseph is a strong witness to the Catholic faith.”
Indeed, the 75th anniversary of St. Joseph Catholic Church serves not only as a celebration of its rich history but also as a heartfelt reminder of the community’s continuing commitment to faith, family, and fellowship here in Columbia.
