Sights & Sounds: Saint Joseph the Carpenter Parish in Roselle
Nestled in a quiet neighborhood in Roselle, NJ, the Church of Saint Joseph the Carpenter is an English Gothic gem with a surprising history that goes back to 1892.
The first Catholic Mass in Roselle, NJ, was celebrated on Christmas Day of that year. Prior to that date, Catholics were forced to travel to Cranford, Westfield, or Elizabeth to celebrate the sacraments. For the next few years, Masses were celebrated in Roselle’s schoolhouses, hotels, and even a masonic meeting room. Under the guidance of Father James P. Smith, the Catholics of Roselle supported each other and formed a true community. They were incorporated as “Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church” in 1895, during the pontificate of Pope Leo XIII.
The cornerstone of the original church was laid in 1897; by the mid-1930s, however, the small wooden church could no longer accommodate the growing parish community.
Wonderfully crafted
The new church was designed by the noted architect Francis Ferdinand Durang, Sr. Designing church architecture came naturally to Durang — his father was one of the most prominent architects of Catholic projects in the US. It seems that Durang’s whole family was steeped in the arts. His great-grandfather was credited as being the first American-born professional actor. Charles Durang, his grandfather, and Richard Ferdinand Durang, his uncle, were the first two men ever to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which later became the national anthem of the U.S.
Durang modeled his design on rural English Gothic churches.
Once complete, the new church was renamed Saint Joseph the Carpenter. At first glance, it might seem a curious choice, since the building is made of brick instead of wood. However, when you consider that in the original Greek, Joseph is described as a “tekton,” which can also refer to a builder or craftsman, the name makes more sense — especially since the Church of Saint Joseph the Carpenter is such a wonderfully crafted building. According to parish records, the church is made of “about 2100 different shapes of bricks in various shades, each of which required a separate mold,” pressed by hand.
Enriching the Roselle community
A post by church historian Msgr. Robert Wister describes the interior of this simple but striking sacred space that is a cultural treasure for the whole Roselle community:
“The nave consists of six bays of columns and arches stretching from the narthex to the great arch that forms the sanctuary. The interior of the church is simple. The columns, arches, and wall surfaces are of deep ivory-colored plaster, applied in the ancient manner with the palm of the hand, a treatment that produces a warm and informal effect. The Stations of the Cross are of pre-cast plaster and are treated in such a manner as to give the impression that they have been drawn from the wall itself.”
The interior of Saint Joseph the Carpenter has undergone many changes over the years, as has the makeup of its Catholic community. In fact, this Roselle parish now serves a rich diversity of cultural backgrounds and experiences through its ministries. Throughout the year, Masses will be offered in English, Spanish, French, Creole, and Tagalog.
Since 1913, the parish has also had a thriving elementary school. St. Joseph the Carpenter School educates students from pre-K through eighth grade and is yet another way that this historic parish continues to enrich the greater Roselle community.
You can view more photos of Saint Joseph the Carpenter Parish HERE.
Each week, Jersey Catholic features the rich and inspiring “Sights & Sounds” of the Archdiocese of Newark. Visit us regularly to explore our vibrant parishes, sacred artworks, historic landmarks, and the faithful men, women and youth who bring our Catholic community to life.
Featured image: The exterior of Saint Joseph the Carpenter Church in Roselle, NJ. (Photo by John Touhey / Archdiocese of Newark)
