St. Joseph Parish Church, Dayton

Saint Joseph Parish Church has a rich history dating back to its establishment on November 1, 1846, under the leadership of Father O'Mealy. Initially, English-speaking parishioners from Dayton's East Side gathered on the right side of Emmanuel Church, near the statue of Saint Joseph. Inspired by their devotion to Saint Joseph, they purchased two lots totaling 100 by 150 feet for $2,000, where they established their own parish named after the patron saint.

The original church served the growing parish community for sixty years until 1905, when the decision was made to build a larger and more expansive church. The old church was demolished in May of that year, and construction began on the new Saint Joseph Church. Archbishop H. K. Moeller laid the cornerstone for the new church, marking the beginning of a monumental construction project.

Completed in 1909, the new Saint Joseph Church showcases architectural elements of Italian Byzantine style. This style is noted for its stately appearance, simplicity, and intricate details, embodying a sense of grandeur and spiritual significance. One of the distinctive architectural features of Saint Joseph Church is its tower, set back towards the sanctuary rather than prominently at the front. The tower, along with the steel pillars finished in plaster and coated in scagliola to resemble marble columns, adds to the church's unique aesthetic and historical charm.