In July, 1904, property was purchased at 936 Lake Street for a new parish, which was named in honor of St. Joseph. Immediately, construction began on a building to function as a combined church and school. The building was completed in October 1904. The first floor served as the church. Four classrooms on the second floor were opened as the school in January 1905 with staff was provided by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth. On August 15, 1910 St. Joseph officially was named a parish, so the school existed before the parish. The permanent church building which exists today was dedicated on August 15, 1915. The current church building was completed in 1915, and the initial building became exclusively St. Joseph School. Another school building named for Fr. Rochford and a new convent were added in the early 1950's, and the old school building was demolished upon completion of the Bennett Building in 1964. The gym in the Bennett Building also functions as the parish hall.
Since that time the school has educated thousands of students. A preschool, begun in 1984, was the first and for many years the only Catholic preschool in the area, and expanded the school's range from age 3 through grade 8.
The mission of the school was to provide faith development and academic excellence in a disciplined but caring environment.
With great sadness, the Bishop and pastors of Greater Kalamazoo decided to
close St. Joseph School in June, 2005 after completing 100 years of educating
students in academic areas and the Catholic faith. A closing Mass was held on
June 10, 2005, to celebrate the school's one hundred years of Catholic education.
Many alumni joined the current school students and parents at this celebration
of St. Joseph Catholic School.
The impact of this school is hard to measure, but it's "ripples" will be felt for many years. The Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo (CSGK) congratulate and thank St. Joseph Parish and parishioners for their loyal and long-standing support for St. Joseph School and for Catholic education. Students at St. Joseph School for 2005-2006 were invited and welcomed at the remaining two CSGK Catholic elementary schools.