History of Saint Joseph the Worker
St. Joseph the Worker is one parish formed in 2009 by the joining of two worship sites, St Joseph Church in Richfield Springs (founded in 1882) and St. Joseph Church in West Winfield (founded in 1874).
Parish records are kept at the parish office in Richfield Springs. The pastor resides at the rectory in West Winfield.
The Parish of St. Joseph the Worker serves the areas of Richfield Springs, West Winfield, and the surrounding areas of Otsego, Richfield, Warren, Exeter, Columbia, Plainfield, Bridgewater, Litchfield and Brookfield.
Significant Events Timeline:
1853 St. Joseph, Richfield Springs, incorporated with 25 parishioners as an out-mission of Cooperstown
1867 St. Joseph, Richfield Springs, organized as an out-mission of Clayville.
1874 St. Joseph, Richfield Springs, Cornerstone laid
1875 St. Joseph, Richfield Springs, first Church completed
1882 St. Joseph Richfield Springs Church separated from Clayville,. First pastor Rev. M.C. Gavin, Richfield Springs (previously out-mission to Cooperstown, became out-mission to St. Joseph West Winfield)
1888 Rectory in West Winfield (WW) burnt down. Reverend Gavin moved to RS and WW became out-mission to RS.
1895 St Joseph WW incorporated
1919 WW completely destroyed by fire
June 12, 1921 Dedication of Stone Church (WW)