A Short History
St. Joseph’s Parish was established in 1907 three years after the Village of Scotia was incorporated. Rev. William O’Connor, the pastor assigned to the new congregation, began purchasing land on First Street in the “Scotia Highlands” where the church and rectory now stand. Within a year that work was continued by Rev. Thomas Judge who dictated the construction of St. Joseph’s Church Hall which served as church and pastoral offices until a permanent church was dedicated in 1927 under the pastorate of Rev. Edwin Wattson.
Fr. Wattson served for 26 years (1921-1947) encompassing the years of the Great Depression and World War II. Father was known not only for his charity and grace but also for nightly strolls about the parish and impromptu visits to the homes of parishioners. He frequently walked to Ellis Hospital to visit the sick.
When Rev. David Walsh became pastor in 1947 the parish had grown so much that the Bishop assigned the first associates to St. Joseph’s. Between 1947 and the 1960’s Rev. Wilfred Chamberlain, Rev. Gerald Millett, Rev. Alphonse Petraitis, Rev. Jaris Pudans, Rev. Matthew Cyvas, Rev. Joseph Biondino, Rev. George Brucker, and Rev. John O’Connor all served as associates.
Fr. Walsh directed the building of St. Joseph’s School and Chapel an MacArthur Drive. The school opened in 1956 staffed by a devoted group of The Sisters of Mercy. In 1948 the Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement began serving the parish by teaching religion, visiting the sick and helping with the spiritual needs of parishioners.
St. Joseph’s marked its Golden Jubilee in 1957. Many changes came in the years that followed. Many changes came in the years that followed. Msgr. John Fitzgerald, Rev. Joseph Grabys, Rev. John Roos, Rev. Robert Nugent, Rev. Thomas Boyle, Rev. Ronald Menty and Rev. Peter Russo have all served as pastors and spiritual guides during these changing times and sharing their unique gifts with our parish family.
In the 90’s Fr. Menty led a major effort to modernize St. Joseph’s. The worship space was redesigned and a new rectory was constructed. Holy Family Hall was added to the front of the Church as part of this project. The gathering place has been a welcome and welcoming addition.
At the end of 2019, St. Joseph’s welcomed Rev. John J. Varno as Sacramental Minister and spiritual guide. St. Joseph’s is also fortunate in the continued service of Deacon John Crane and Deacon Stephen Lape. Supported and sustained by faith, love and works of charity St. Joseph’s Parish family looks with hope to the future.