About St. Joseph · Granville, Iowa
St. Joseph Parish in Granville, Iowa, traces its roots to 1886 when 70 Catholic families built their first church. The parish was formally established in 1888 with its first Mass, and by 1905 had grown enough to construct a semi-Gothic brick church. It predates the Diocese of Sioux City, which was founded in 1902. The parish has maintained a strong educational presence through its school, which operated from 1888 to 2013, and continues to serve the community through active ministries and annual events like its August picnic. The parish is part of the Pilgrim Cluster, which includes St. Mary in Alton and St. Anthony in Hospers.
- Established
- 1888
- Patron
- St. Joseph
- Diocese
- Diocese of Sioux City
Why belong here
Join a parish with deep roots in faith and community, where generations have gathered for Mass, education, and service. Active ministries, sacramental life, and events like the annual August picnic foster connection and spiritual growth. The parish continues to serve as a cornerstone of Granville’s Catholic identity, offering pastoral care, education, and outreach to all ages.
History
The first church in Granville was begun in 1886 by about 70 Catholic families. The first Mass was held on March 25, 1888, in a frame church. The initial priest, M.W. McCarthy, added a parish house and school in 1888. The cemetery was established in 1893 and moved in 1912. St. Joseph’s preceded the Diocese of Sioux City (established 1902). Rev. J.A. Gerlemann arrived in 1902 and remained 38 years, overseeing construction of the current church in 1905. The parish held its centennial in 1986, when Granville was over 95% Catholic. The school opened in 1888, later becoming St. Joseph’s High School in 1955. The three parishes formed Spalding High School in 1962. The school and convent closed in 2013. The annual picnic was revived in 1976.