About St. Joseph *Historic Church · Hardin, Montana
St. Joseph's Church in Hardin, Montana, is a historic Catholic parish established in the early 1900s, serving the community with a rich legacy of faith and service. Originally a mission church, it moved to its current location on Custer Avenue in 1919 and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019. The church, listed on the National Historic Registry in 1991, features traditional Gothic Revival architecture and remains a central spiritual and social hub for parishioners. It is currently served by a diocesan priest from the Herald’s of Good News, an Indian religious order, continuing a tradition of pastoral care that began with Jesuit missionaries in the 1800s.
- Established
- 1903
- Patron
- St. Joseph
- Rector
- Father Thomas Selvaraj
- Diocese
- Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
Why belong here
Join St. Joseph's Parish to be part of a community that celebrates faith through daily Mass, Adoration, and healing services, and supports parishioners through ministries like Confirmation, Baptism, and First Eucharist. The parish offers a warm, welcoming environment with active involvement in parish life, including pilgrimages, charitable outreach, and community events.
Mass times at St. Joseph *Historic Church
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 5:00-5:30 PM
Adoration times
- Wednesday 5:30 PM (followed by Divine Mercy Prayers)
Church History
St. Joseph's Parish in Hardin began as a mission church in 1903, held initially in a drug store and later in a schoolhouse. The first permanent church building was erected in 1911, and the current church on Custer Avenue was completed in 1919. The parish was served by Jesuits until 1965, then by Capuchins until 2013. Since then, it has been served by a diocesan priest. The church celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019 and was placed on the National Historic Registry in 1991 for its Gothic Revival architecture and historical significance.
Pastor History
The parish has been served by Jesuits from 1919 to 1965, then by Capuchins until 2013. Since 2013, it has been served by a diocesan priest from the Herald’s of Good News, an Indian religious order. The current pastor is Father Thomas Selvaraj.
Mass and Services
Daily Mass is celebrated Tuesday, Thursday, Friday at 8 AM, Wednesday at 5:30 PM (followed by Adoration), Saturday at 5:45 PM, and Sunday at 9 AM. Special services include a Healing Mass on the 1st Friday of each month at 5:30 PM and Rosary at 5:15 PM on Saturday.
Sacraments
The parish offers Baptism, Confirmation, First Eucharist, Reconciliation, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick. Recent sacraments include Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist for new members in 2026.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Louis Taelman1919-1924
- Rev. J.C. Cardon1924-1930
- Rev. Thomas Grant1930-1933
- Rev. John Laux1932-1934
- Rev. Charles L. Owens1934-1935
- Rev. Joseph Meagher1933-1936
- Rev. Francis W. Callon1942-1953
- Rev. John C. Murray1960-1965
- Rev. Alphonse Heckler1965-1967
- Rev. Fabian Fehring1967-2013