The original plot of land for the church (115 Riverside Ave) was purchased January 6th, 1879 for $400. 20yrs later, Fr. LaJeuneese set forth a plan to purchase a new plot of land on Mountain Ave for a larger Church. With only hours to spare before the deal fell through, parishioners donated the money needed.
Work on the new church at Mountain and Howes (current location) began in 1900. The grand total for the church was $12,000. Many parishioners at the time thought the church to be too grand and expensive.
Fort Collins continued to thrive and St. Joseph’s congregation flourished. By 1960 it was evident that more space was needed. This remodel enlarged the church by 10,000 square feet and enlarged the church to double the original capacity. A basement was excavated, providing an auditorium, restrooms, kitchen and furnace room. By 1979, the Rectory and Parish Center were brought into fruition. Our Parish remains a staple of Fort Collins, nestled in close proximity to Old Town.
The center of the church displays a 13ft statue of St. Joseph in the role of foster-father of Jesus. He has his hands on the shoulders of Christ. This image of St. Joseph in the church, has large forearms and shoulders to emulate strength, support and protection. While the frame of St. Joseph is smaller to show the frailty of human life.
Jesus, the Christ child at the center of the church, reminds us of our own children and the children around the world. St. Joseph and the Christ child are standing on the world, reminding us to have compassion and bring truth through the gospels.
Hand-carved statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady match the statue of St. Joseph and the Child on the main altar. Each also has a copper canopy.
The stained glass windows celebrate events in the lives of Jesus and Mary and relate to the mysteries of the Rosary. Still to this day, we do not know who donated these windows to the church.
The gallery of windows on the East side start with The Annunciation; this depicts the Joyful mysteries of the Rosary (said on Monday and Saturday).
The gallery of windows on the West side starts with The Agony in the Garden; this depicts the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary (said on Tuesday and Friday).
The 8th Window on the West side of the gallery of windows, depicts The Resurrection of Jesus; the start of the Glorious mysteries of the Rosary (said on Wednesday and Sunday).
