Saint Joseph and Mary: The church of St. Joseph and Mary, known as St. Joseph Church since the Civil War ended, is one of the oldest standing churches in North Carolina. Located in Gaston County on Highway 273, the white clapboard church is six miles from, and predates by 33 years, Belmont Abbey; the Benedictine monestary and college. The roots of Catholicism in Northn Carolina find their humble beginnings at the tiny church located near the banks of the Catawba River and Mountain Island Reservoir.
A River Promises Gold: In North Carolina, the discovery of gold lured miners seeking fortune. Along the banks of the Cawtaba River, Irish and Italian immigrants made their way to Lincoln County, now Gaston County, bringing a thirst for faith fulfillment. Six Irish Catholic familes homesteaded in River Bend, near Thompson's Ford, on the western bank of the Catawba River. They were the 4-Lonergan brothers and families, plus Duffeys, Cahills and their familes.
All worshipped in a chapel inside the palatial home of Chevalier Riva De Finola, a French/Italian owner of several gold mines. De Finola had hopes for a church, but when his gold mines were closed by court injunction in 1832, plans to develop a parish were deferred for a decade.
From humble Beginnings: The remaining Irish still longed for a church. Prior to his death at age 34, Longergan laid the groundwork for continued hopes of a parish. Fr. J. J. O'Connell, a misionary priest, held infrequent Masses, as he was a circuit riding pastor. Traveling by horseback, the priest took on the hardship of countless miles and rugged terrain, in the Carolinas and Eastern Georgia. The tiny congregation persisted, and their prayers were answered. In 1838, Bishop John England of Charleston assigned Fr. T. J. Cronin to serve the Catholics in Mount Holly's River Bend area near Mountain Island Lake in eastern Lincoln County, now Gaston County.
Fr. T. J. Cronin acquired acreage from the Lonergan family and began accepting contributions to establish a building fund. In 1842, before work was completed, Fr. Cronin died from the effects of yellow fever. He was buried, and to this day, lies in rest in St. Joseph's cemetary.
Completing a Parish: Nortnh Carolina's 4th Catholic church was finally completed. Built in 1843, the modest structure was consecrated and dedicated in 1844 by Bishop Ignatius Reynolds, second bishop of Charleston. During that smae year, St. Paul in New Bern, the 1st church in North Carolina, built in 1841, was dedicated. Today, the two buildings stand as the two oldest Catholic churches in the state.
The early day's missionary preist, Fr. J. J. O'Connell, became the 6th and last priest of the tiny parish, and is attributed with purchasing the land that later would become Belmont Abbey. For six years, during construction of the Abbey, Fr. O'Connell occupied the room at the rear of St. Joseph, later moving to the Abbey, and St. Joseph's long dormant sleep began.
Unused, But Not Forgotten: The Civil War took its toll, leaving St. Joseph with one family. The opening of Belmont Abbey in 1876 placed local Catholics under the care of Benedictine Monks. The church of Saints Joseph and Mary sat silently along the roadside. Although neglected, the church never fell prey to serious vandalism. A badly deteriorated roof offered little resistance from the elements, and only two shutters remained. Yet, the original furnishings were unharmed. It was simply closed up and was used only at funeral or prayer / picnic special outings.
Restoring the Past Awakened From a Deep Sleep: In the early 1970's, Frances Galligan of Gastonia spearheaded plans to restore St. Joseph, under the direction of then bishop Michael J. Begley -- the exterior, alter, and pews were returned to their 19th century look. In 1979, the church was designated as a National Historical site by the State of North Carolina and the U.S. Department of Interior. The Diocese provides support for continued building maintenance and lawn care in the cemetary. Since October 1993, Carl Heil, a Brother Knight of Queen of the Apostle Knight of Columbus Conucil 11076 in Blemont, NC has been the volunteer caretaker and historian and hios loyal group of brother Knights provide all other needs and care whenever needed.
Celebrating History: In 1991, the Catholic Historical Society was formed and recorded the history of faith communities of the diocese. The society plans to preserve and identify historical structures, furnishings, artifacts, documents, and records that contribute to an appreciation and understanding of the growth and devleopment of the Catholic Church in Western North Carolina.
St. Joseph welcomes all. Have your catholic group or priest contact the pastor of Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church in Belmont, NC for a time and date to visit the church - or, call (704) 825-9600 for more information.
Both Catholic and non-Catholic groups who wish to tour the church and grounds, with a more detailed history should call (704) 825-9600. When requesting a date to visit St. Joseph, allow 3 days minimum to assure the availability of the historian.
PLEASE NOTE: No restrooms exit at the church. The out houses of the 1800's are long gone. A rest stop on your way to St. Joseph is highly recommended.
Each year on St. Joseph Day, March 19th, there isusually a 12:00 noon Mass held at the church. To verify, please call (704) 825-9600. Seating is limited to 100. Come pray with us like it was back in 1843.