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| Sanctuary Consecrated 28 March 1897 | |
St. Joseph's congregation, having separated from St. John's Episcopal Church, was organized with the help of the Reverend Joseph Caldwell Huske, and officially chartered in 1873. It is the second oldest Episcopal congregation in Fayetteville.
The present location is the third one where the congregation has worshipped. The first one was a small rented church at the foot of Haymount Hill, and the second one was on the north side of Russell Street between Gillespie and Anderson Streets. Following Reverend Huske's retirement from St. John's Church, he became St. Joseph's first Rector. Reverend Huske worked diligently with Miss Charlotte McNeill and through their efforts gained financial help of Mrs. Cochran. With her aid and the sale of the property on Russell Street, the present property was bought and the church was built in 1896. On Sunday, March 28, 1897, the church was consecrated by the Right Reverend Augustine Watson, Bishop of the Diocese of East Carolina.
The focal point in the church is the chancel. Outlining the altar are five exquisite Resurrection Windows, one of the last sets of stained glass windows designed and made by Tiffany of New York. The window in the rear of the church helps us understand that we as Christian people are indebted to many people around the world. The fleur-de-lis design, or symbol, represents the Holy Trinity and the blessed Virgin Mary. These windows were first displayed at the World's Fair in California in 1890.
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The small single manual pipe organ was built by Henry Erben of New York. One of the ranks of pipes in this historic instrument bears the signature "George Hamill", and engraved on it is June 15, 1857. The organ has been powered by hand, water, gas, and now it is powered by electricity. The organ was built for and used by St. John's Church before it was purchased for $100.00 for use in St. Joseph's Church.
Most of the appointments — with the exception of the communion vessels and flower vases — are the same ones placed in the church prior to its consecration in 1897.
The beautiful Victorian Baptism Font in the rear of the church, near the main entrance, was given by the members of St. Joseph's Church as a memorial to Dr. Joseph Caldwell Huske.
There are three plaques on the back wall of the church. One states that the font was given as a memorial to Dr. Huske. Another one states that the church was erected in 1896, to the Glory of God and for the comfort of all who seek Him. The third one is in memory of Mrs. Eva Cochran, the benefactor of St. Joseph's Church.
In the late 1860's, many of the persons who were founding members of St. Joseph's were involved in the founding and operation of the Howard School, which continued its evolution into the State normal School, and is now Fayetteville State University, an integral part of the North Carolina State University system. St. Joseph's Parochial School was one of the first formalized centers for education for people of African descendancy.
Seventeen ministers have served St. Joseph's as Rectors. The first Rector in the present sanctuary was the Reverend William Montgomery Jackson, and the present Rector is the Reverend Augustine Joseph.
The tragic fire in 1917 destroyed the first rectory and parish house. Mrs. Cochran's son, Alex, supplemented the insurance payment so that both structures could be rebuilt.
Over the years, St. Joseph's parishoners have made the facilities available to the U.S.O., the N.A.A.C.P., the Episcopal Society for Cultural and Racial Unity, Fayetteville City Schools, and the City of Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Department. The long history of public service continues with the current breakfast ministry to provide a nourishing breakfast to the homeless and the needy six days a week.
On June 1, 1982, St. Joseph's Episcopal Church complex was entered on the National Register of Historic Places. On September 12, 1982, at a most impressive service, the Certificate of Listing was presented to St. Joseph's by Dr. John J. Little, Deputy State Historic Officer.
The memorial plaques that line the church walls are a constant reminder of the rich heritage we all enjoy. The current membership is committed to the restoration and maintenance of this Historic and National Treasure.
On May 17, 1998, the church held a historic service celebrating 101 years on its present site, and 125 years as a parish.
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