The first actual Catholic church in this territory was built of logs in 1833 and was located about five miles south of Wapakoneta. St. Joseph Parish was established in Auglaize County in 1839 to serve the area's Catholic population which was comprised mostly of German immigrants. They erected a frame type church on the southeast corner of Pearl and Blackhoof streets - where the old school presently stands. In 1850, the priests of the Society of the Precious Blood of Jesus took over the permanent care of St. Joseph's and remain to this day. In 1858 a beautiful and imposing single tower church was built to accommodate the growing congregation. It was built on the same spot where the present church is located - Pearl and Perry streets.
  Recognizing the importance of education a two story brick school was constructed in 1869. In 1910, with approximately 225 families in St. Joseph, the greatest project of this parish was begun; the construction of a new church. It was dedicated on October 8, 1911; the majestic edifice which we now are privileged to use and which will remain for a long while as a mark of deep faith and generous sacrifice on the part of our parents and grandparents. St. Joseph currently has over 1000 families in the parish.