St. Joseph Church, Welsh, 1941; Jefferson Davis, Louisiana Submitted by Kathy Tell Source; Truman Stacey of the Diocese of Lake Charles. Written for the Jubilee Year 2000. Submitted July 2004 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ LOCATION: 210 North Sarah Street, Welsh LA, 70591; Entering Welsh from I-10, go South on North Adams. At West North Street, go East (left). St. Joseph is between West north and West Millard Streets. WELSH -- The history of St. Joseph Parish in Welsh is closely tied to the history of the Josephite Fathers in Louisiana. The Society of St. Joseph first undertook missionary work in Louisiana in 1897. In 1920 the Order began to staff St. Theresa Parish in Crowley, which served African-American Catholics throughout the area, including Breaux Bridge, Rayne, Church Point, Jennings and Welsh. During the early years of the 20th Century the Black Catholic population in Welsh began to increase as many families from the Lafayette and St. Martinville areas to find employment in the Jeff Davis rice fields. By 1926 the Black Catholic population had grown large enough for the organization of a council of the Knights of Peter Claver, through the encouragement of the Rev. August Baudizonne, Pastor of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Parish. The Knights constructed a meeting hall, and priests from Our Lady of Seven Dolors began to celebrate Mass there. In 1941 the Black Catholic population has grown to such numbers that the Most Rev. Jules B. Jeanmard, Bishop of Lafayette, decided it was time they had their own parish. In August of that year, Bishop Jeanmard established St. Joseph Parish, and entrusted it to the care of the Society of St. Joseph. It was the second parish in what is now the Diocese of Lake Charles to be established for the Black Catholic population, the first being Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Lake Charles. The Rev. John O'Connell, SSJ, became the founding pastor of the parish, and celebrated his first Mass on Feb. 8, 1942, in the St. Peter Claver Hall. One of his first tasks, of course, was to build a church. Several lots were donated by Miss Katie Unkel, member of a pioneer Welsh family. Another gift of $5,000.00 from an anonymous northern priest made the building possible. Work was immediately begun on a 76' by 34' church building, which was completed in time for the celebration of Mass on Christmas Day. At that this time, the number of parishioners dwelling in Welsh and in the surrounding rural areas, was about 500. Additional lots were purchased form Miss Unkel to complete the block, and two additional lots across the street. There were two houses on these lots, and one of them became Father O'Connell's rectory. On Feb. 8, 1942, Bishop Jeanmard dedicated the church, and officially installed Father O'Connell as pastor. He also added Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission in Jennings to Father O'Connell's care. In 1961 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission in Jennings was elevated to a canonical Parish, and was separated from St. Joseph Parish. At the same time, St. Peter Claver Mission in Iowa was attached to St. Joseph Parish. In the fall of 1962, a donation of $10,000 and a loan of $10,000 from the Josephites made it possible for the parish to build a modern rectory. At the same time a mission chapel was built in Iowa. By 1963 the ravages of age and wear were showing and the church was remodeled and enlarged. The reconstruction was financed by a grant from Extension Society and by the offerings of the parishioners themselves. of the work was undertaken by the parishioners, using their special and unselfish skills. The pews were refinished and the floors carpeted and the exterior of the church brick veneered. In 1980 a new diocese of Lake Charles was established, and St. Joseph Parish became a part of the new diocese. By 1984, when the Rev. Joseph LeFrois, SSJ, was pastor, parishioners realized that the 43-year old church building, which had been frequently repaired, would have to be replaced. Several fund drives were conducted and the Rev. Lowell Case, SSJ, who became pastor in 1985, approved the final plans and saw the project to completion. In June of 1986 ground was broken for the new church and hall. The first Mass was celebrated on Christmas Day, and on April 22, 1987, the Most Rev. Jude Speyrer, Bishop of Lake Charles, dedicated the church and parish hall. The sanctuary of the new church has a seating capacity of 250, and the entire structure cost $375,000 at the time. It was a major accomplishment of the people of the parish, which covers the western part of the City of Welsh, plus about 25 families attending St. Peter Claver Mission Chapel in Iowa. Parishioners themselves act as volunteers in carrying out the day-to-day chores and upkeep of the parish, and parish organizations volunteer their time in assisting the pastor. Currently neighborhood watches are being organized to combat the drug problem, and emphasis is being placed on youth work. Companions of Honor decorated by the Diocese of Lake Charles include, Mrs. Hilda Beloney, Wallas Carrier, Joseph Lemell Sr., Mrs. Johanna Lockett and Mrs. Mary Latigue. The following pastors have been assigned to St. Joseph Parish over its more than half a century of history, with the dates of their appointments: 1941 - Rev. John F. O'Connell, SSJ; 1962 - Rev. John R. Timpay, SSJ; 1965 - Rev. Vernon P. Moore, SSJ; 1967 - Rev. Thomas R. McKenna, SSJ; 1974 - Rev. Joseph N. Begay, SSJ; 1982 - Rev. Charles Moffatt, SSJ; 1983 - Rev. Joseph G. LeFrois, SSJ; 1985 - Rev. Lowell D. Case, SSJ; 1989 - Rev. Robert P. Zawacki, SSJ; 1991 - Rev. Calvin Sinclair, SSJ; 1992 - Rev. Joseph Macek, SSJ; 1993 - Rev. George W. Burden, SSJ; 1995 - Rev. Donatus Anosike, MSP; 1997 - Rev. Alfred Umagu; 1997 - Rev. William D. Hogan, SSJ. Father Hogan is a native of Boston and was ordained in 1951, for the Society of St. Joseph. Prior to coming to Welsh, he served parishes in Mobile, New Orleans, Natchez, Lake Providence, Houston, Jacksonville, FL, Donaldsonville and Tuskegee, AL.