A Journey of Faith Through Generations
If these walls could talk, they would tell a story of resilience, faith, and community—a story that began 175 years ago with a group of determined settlers seeking a place to worship, a place to call home.
Imagine Buffalo in 1850—a city bustling with immigrants, shaped by the Erie Canal, where people were searching not just for work but for spiritual refuge. They found it in a small wooden church on Main Street, built by the hands of those who longed for a parish of their own. This was the beginning of St. Joseph Parish—a community built on prayer, hard work, and an unwavering belief in God’s providence.
The Little Church That Grew
At first, the church was small—just 30 by 55 feet, enough to hold 240 people. The community was tight-knit, resilient, and deeply faithful, gathering in their modest wooden chapel to celebrate Mass, share meals, and support one another. Their numbers grew quickly, and so did their dreams.
But growth often brings challenges. In its first 35 years, St. Joseph saw 26 different pastors, each bringing new leadership but also uncertainty. Yet, the parish persevered, supported by Jesuit, Franciscan, and Redemptorist priests who ensured that the flame of faith never flickered out.
By the late 1800s, the humble wooden structure was no longer enough. The parishioners—many of them German-Catholic immigrants—decided it was time to build something lasting. By 1894, a new brick church stood proudly, reflecting the strength of the community that had sacrificed to build it.
But St. Joseph Parish wasn’t just a place of worship—it was a beacon of education. The parish opened a school in 1850, and by 1882, the Sisters of St. Joseph took over teaching, transitioning from German to English-language education, ensuring future generations could thrive.
The 20th Century: A Parish on the Rise
The 1900s brought expansion, innovation, and a deepened commitment to service. Under Msgr. Joseph Schemel (1908–1944), the parish flourished, with a new school in 1908—which still stands today as the oldest building on campus.
As Buffalo grew, so did St. Joseph. In 1926, a magnificent new church was completed, featuring a soaring 125-foot copper-coated steeple that quickly became a landmark.
But what truly defined this era wasn’t just the buildings—it was the people. The Great Depression struck, yet parishioners worked tirelessly to pay off the $375,000 cost of the church by 1939, proving that faith and perseverance could overcome any obstacle.
Faith Through Change: Vatican II and Beyond
With the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), the Catholic Church embraced change, and St. Joseph Parish was among the first to welcome the reforms. Under Msgr. Albert Rung (1945–1971), the parish became one of the first in the diocese to establish an elected Parish Council (1967), giving parishioners a voice in decision-making.
The late 1960s and 70s were a time of excitement and renewal. St. Joseph hosted community expos, youth programs, and panel discussions on contemporary issues, making it a center for both faith and dialogue.
Then, in 1991, history was made once again. St. Joseph Parish merged with the University at Buffalo Newman Community, marking a new era as St. Joseph University Parish. This bold step ensured that both the local community and university students would have a spiritual home for years to come.
A Church That Sings: The Music Ministry Legacy
If you’ve ever attended a Mass at St. Joseph University Parish, you know that music is at its heart. The Contemporary Music Ensemble (CME), founded in the 1990s, drew people from all walks of life, blending traditional hymns with contemporary sounds. It wasn’t just music—it was ministry.
In 1999, the church underwent major renovations, bringing new life to the space while preserving its rich history. Parishioners still remember gathering for Mass at the Cantalician Center gym during construction—because no matter the location, faith always found a way.
The New Millennium: A Parish That Leads
As the world entered a new century, St. Joseph University Parish continued to grow. The early 2000s saw a thriving youth ministry, an expansion of social justice programs, and a renewed focus on campus ministry for UB students.
By 2020, the world changed again. The COVID-19 pandemic forced churches to close their doors—but not their hearts. St. Joseph pivoted, launching online Masses that reached over 1,000 viewers weekly. It was a testament to the parish’s ability to adapt while staying connected.
Then came another historic milestone—the formation of a Family of Parishes in 2023, uniting St. Joseph with UB Newman Center and Buffalo State Newman Community. This collaboration has strengthened outreach, ministry, and the shared mission of faith.
Today & The Next Chapter
Now, in 2025, we stand at the crossroads of history and the future. We celebrate 175 years of faith with gratitude, knowing that the foundation laid by generations before us continues to inspire, guide, and uplift.
From humble beginnings to a thriving university parish, St. Joseph’s legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering faith. And as we step forward into the next 175 years, one thing remains certain—our story is far from over.
