St Joseph's Catholic Church

through a generous gift of $5,000 by mrs. mary k. walker in memory of her husband, the purchase of these 1,400 acres of land on september 29, 1920 was made possible. subsequently, this church was built as the seminary chapel of the missionary servants of the most holy trinity, founded by father thomas augustine judge, c.m. the first mass celebrated here was christmas eve 1926, and the chapel was formally consecrated by bishop thomas j. toolen on january 10, 1927. it served as the seminary chapel and the site of many profession of vows and other significant events over the years. in the 1960s the seminary moved to monroe, virginia. st. peter claver church which had served this local community was relocated to this chapel which now became known as st. joseph parish, serving all of rural russell county.