One of two Catholic Churches in Camden named St. Joseph, the church lies on Federal Street in Camden, a few blocks east of 27th Street. St. Joseph's School, at the rear of the property, fronts on Westfield Avenue. The church originally stood on the corner of North 25th Street and Howell Street.

Founded in 1893, St. Joseph's church celebrated its Golden Anniversary in 1943. Courtesy of Fred Kalt, a member of Woodrow Wilson High School Class of 1957, you will find below the 80-page Golden Jubilee Yearbook from that year, complete with photos, a history of the church, and lots and lots of advertisements from local businesses. 

A new church building was built in 1952, on the site of the old St. Patrick's Cemetery. This church was called St. Joseph's Pro Cathedral, as its capacity, being it larger than the downtown Church of the Immaculate Conception, allowed it to be an alternate facility to the main church.

On April 4, 2008 Bishop Galante announced the following changes which affected churches in Camden and Pennsauken. The changes, taken from the text of the bishop's speech, are as follows:

* Merge the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Camden), Holy Name (Camden) and Our Lady of Mount Carmel & Fatima (Camden), with the primary worship site at the Cathedral and a secondary worship site at Our Lady of Mount Carmel & Fatima.

* Merge St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral (Camden), St. Cecilia (Pennsauken) and St. Veronica (Delair), with the worship site at St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral.

* Merge St. Joan of Arc (Camden) and St. Bartholomew (Camden) with the worship site at St. Joan of Arc.

* Cluster the new parish at St. Joan of Arc (Camden) with Sacred Heart (Camden).

* St. Anthony of Padua (Camden) and St. Joseph Polish (Camden) will remain as stand-alone parishes.

Intersection of North 25th Street & Howell Street

St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church

Click on Image to Enlarge

Photo
taken
in
1909

St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church
Southeast Corner of 25th & Howell Street, Camden, NJ 

The petition to organize this perish was in the old Boyce residence on Cooper Street (now 27th. Street) in the Town of Stockton, during the year of 1890 and early in 1892, Bishop O'Farrell, of the Diocese of Trenton, directed the Franciscan Fathers from Sts. Peter & Paul Church to minister to this Stockton mission.  The early services were held in Wright's Hall, on Marlton Pike, near Federal Street, beginning on Sunday, February 7, 1892.  On April 20th. 1893 a resolution was passed to build a new church and architect John D'arcy, of Camden, was engaged to plan the new church shown here.  This church was completed in October and was dedicated December 16th, 1893.  The Rev Alphonse Lehrscholl was the first priest of the parish and was followed in 1895 by Father Ambrose Ebeiner, who was succeeded by Father Hirschmeyer in February 1899.  He was followed  by Rev. Dr. Joseph Rathner on September 17, 1899.  In July 1902 the Rev. Anthony C. Shuvlin became rector and continued for 28 years when he was transferred to St. Peter Church, in Riverside, N.J.  In October 1915, the church was badly damaged by a spectacular fire beginning in the church steeple.  The Church building was abandoned in 1929, with the erection of the new school building on Westfield Avenue & 29th Street, and it was demolished as a fire hazard about 1939.   Photographed in 1909.

Rev. Anthony C. Shuvlin
circa 1902

Black Cat Serenaders
Marie McGuigan
Helen McGuigan
Mary R. Smith
Anna McKibbon
Helen Widua
Helen Love
Mary M. Peard
Elizabeth Liddell
Mary Nettleton
Florence Tischner
Gertrude Love
Dorothy Renolds
Catherine O'Neill
Anna Lynch
Alice Nettleton
Catherine Dillenschneider
Margaret Hewitt

Camden Courier-Post
June 7, 1932

Camden Courier-Post - June 9, 1932

St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church - East Camden
Bernard J. Tracy - John Carroll - Frank Doherty
John Nettleton - Joseph Smith
Rev. William J. Brennan - Rev. Charles McCorriston

Camden Courier-Post - June 10, 1932

St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church - East Camden - Clay W. Reesman
Rev. William J. Brennan - Rev. Charles McCorriston

ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL PLANS RURAL REVUE
 'Watch Yer Step' to Be Presented June 15, and 16

The pupils of St. Joseph's School of East Camden are rehearsing for the rural musical comedy, "Watch Yer Step," which they will present on Thursday and Friday evenings, June 15 and 16 in the school auditorium, Twenty-ninth street and Westfield Avenue.

The story of "Watch Yer Step" is laid in Turnipville, a small mythical community. The action centers about the mortgaged homestead of a widow, which a sly old "pinch­penny" is trying to buy "dirt cheap." How the home is saved by two young men from the city, and how pretty Marjorie Brooks, the widow's daughter, is wooed and won makes an in­teresting and hilarious musical comedy.

Anna Walker plays the part of the widow Brooks, and Regina Long the role of her daughter. John Straub is the village "shylock," while James McNeff and John Valdese are the enterprising young men from the city.

No rural comedy would be complete without the village constable and his aggressive better half, who makes life miserable for him. Marcia Schnauffer, of Merchantville, and James Danter are rehearsing for these character roles. Margaret Regan, as a pretty girl from the city; Mary O'Neill as the alert chaperone, Francis Behl and James Maher as two tramps, and James Ward and Charles Reynolds as two "deacons," complete the cast.

Twelve tuneful musical numbers, ten of them with dancing choruses, are arranged. Miss Helen McGuigan has succeeded in bringing out the latent talent of the dancers and given them a polish that is seldom found outside of professional choruses.

The Parent-Teacher Association of St. Joseph's School is making the costumes, while Emil Meidt and Joseph McGlade have painted new 'scenery for the show Phil Solari is the director of "Watch Yer Step."

On Friday evening the graduation exercises of the school will be held prior to the play. Edward L. Whalen of Elizabeth, past state deputy of the Knights of Columbus, will address the graduates.

CABARET SHOW BILLED BY ST. JOSEPH'S CLUB

At popular demand the St. Joseph's Dramatic Club will give a return performance of the cabaret show which won enthusiastic acclaim at the St. Joseph's Auditorium, Twenty-ninth street and Westfield Avenue several weeks ago. It will be presented next Thursday.

Walt Stanton, popular vaudeville star, will be Master of Ceremonies for the varied bill topped by Joe Hamilton, famous Camden minstrel man, The Two Jays, Ed Donahue, the Irish lyric tenor; a revue from the Warrington School and the Mullen and Vincent team comprise the rest of the bill.

Refreshments will be served.

CARNIVAL IS PLANNED BY ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH

Members of the St. Joseph's parish of East Camden will hold a parish meeting in the school auditorium tonight in preparation for their annual carnival, which will be held Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, July 12, 13, 14, and 15 .

The variety of booths should draw to the school grounds on Westfield Avenue and Twenty-ninth street the largest crowds that has attended the carnival. Each night supper will be served at a very reasonable cost. The suppers prepared by the ladles of the parish have become famous with the frequenters of the carnival.

Many new novelties and amusements are being prepared by the committee. Radio entertainers and stars of the stage will be on hand to entertain the large crowds that are expected. This carnival is held each year for the benefit of St. Joseph’s School.

ST. JOSEPH'S PUPILS TO GRADUATE FRIDAY
East Camden School to Present Musical, 'Watch Yer Step'

On Thursday night and on the next night immediately after the graduation exercises, the students of St. Joseph's School, Twenty-ninth street and Westfield Avenue, will present the rural musical comedy, "Watch Yer Step." 

Twelve musical numbers furnish the musical score. Miss Helen McGuigan has taught the girls some lively steps. The ladies of the P.-T. A, of St. Joseph's parish have created a number of stunning costumes for the dancers. Phil Colari, well­known dramatic coach, is directing the play. 

Forty students will graduate Friday evening. They will be addressed by Edward L. Whelan, past state deputy of the Knights of Columbus. 

ST. JOSEPH'S STAGES 'WATCH YOUR STEP'
Parochial Students Present Rural Musical Comedy - Performance Tonight

"Watch Yer Step," described as a rural musical comedy, was presented last night by the students of St. Joseph's parochial school, Twenty-ninth street and Westfield Avenue. 

The show will be repeated tonight after the commencement exercises. 
Anna Walker plays the part of the widow Brooks, and Regina Long the role of her daughter. John Straub is the village "shylock," while James McNeff and John Valdese are the enterprising young men from the city.

No rural comedy would be complete without the village constable, and his aggressive better half who makes life miserable for him. Marcia Schnautter, of Merchantville, and James Danter are rehearsing for these character roles. Margaret Regan, as a pretty girl from the city; Mary O'Neill as the alert chaperone, Francis Behl and James Maher as two tramps, and James Ward and Charles Reynolds as two "deacons," complete the cast. 

ST. JOSEPH'S CARNIVAL BOOKED FOR JULY 12-15

Members of St. Joseph's parish in East Camden have definitely fixed the date for their annual carnival this year for the evenings of July 12 to 15 inclusive. 

Many new attractions, in addition to the usual booths, have been arranged for this year's event. One of the features will be the suppers which will be prepared by the members of. the St. Joseph's Parent-Teachers Association and served beginning at 6 o'clock on each of the four nights. Races will be staged each night, while pony rides will be available for the children. Musical entertainment will be provided every night. 

There will be a meeting next Monday at which the various committees will submit reports on the carnival plans. 

ST. JOSEPH P.T.A. TO PLAN FOR SUPPER

The Parent-Teacher Association of St. Joseph's School will meet tonight to plan for a supper at the annual carnival of St. Joseph's Church July 12 to 15.

Mrs. George Meidt is chairman of the committee, which includes Mrs. Irene Ayres, secretary; Mrs. Regina Gilmore, treasurer, and Mrs. L. Agger, hostess. Members of the association will assist in serving.

FR. TURNER TO SPEAK AT RETREAT MEETING
Knights of Columbus Plan to Enroll 100 Here in Laymen's Movement

The second meeting of the Camden Knights of Columbus Retreat Club will be held at their home, 603 Penn Street, tonight at 8-30 p. m.

The Knights are sponsoring the Laymen's Retreat movement in Camden and have set their goal at 100 men. The retreat will be held at San Alfonso Retreat House at West End, the weekend of July 23.

Tonight's meeting will be known as "East-Side night," and a delegation of men from St. Joseph's parish will welcome Father Joseph Turner, C. S. S. R., who will be the principal speaker.

Father Turner is one of the pioneers of the Laymen's Retreat movement in this country, being responsible for the establishment of the Retreat House at West End.

San Alfonso Retreat House was opened in 1927, with less than 50 laymen retreatants and has steadily grown each year. During the year of 1937 a total of 1800 retreatants was reached. Much of this progress is due to the efforts of Father Turner, who was the Retreat master for a period of more than two years.

Past Grand Knight Reynolds is the Retreat captain.

Golden Jubilee

YEAR BOOK

St. Joseph's Church

Pages 8 & 9 -
Honor Roll of St. Joseph's people in uniform as of 1943

Pages 11, 13, 15, & 19 -
The History of St. Joseph's Parish- continued

More to Come!!!!

Pages 24 -
Antrim Hardware

Pages 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 33, & 38 -
The Origin of St. Joseph's Parish- continued

Pages 34 & 35
Mayor Brunner
& the City Commissioners

Page 36 & 37
Pictures of St. Joseph's Church Buildings

Pages 39, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51,  53 & 55 -
St. Joseph's School Students

Pages 41, 44, 46, 48 -
The Origin of St. Joseph's Parish- concluded

Pages 55, 57, & 59
St. Joseph's Clergy past & current as of 1943

Pages 61 -
St. Joseph's Sisters

Pages 63 -
Interior View of the
25th & Howell Street Church
& the
Westfield Avenue Church

Page 79 - 
St. Joseph's 
Mother Superiors &
& Parish Members
in the religious vocation