Idaho City in Boise County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Saint Joseph's Catholic Church

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 3, 2018

1. Saint Joseph's Catholic Church Marker

Inscription. Picturesquely set on East Hill above the City center, this simple two story frame building is actually the second Saint Josephs Church. The original church dedicated on November 15, 1863, burned to the ground in Idaho City's second fire on May 17, 1867.
Rebuilt by June 2, 1867 of the same year under supervision of Father A.Z. Poulin, Saint Joseph's was for some years, the only church in Idaho City. Most of the early miners were Irish Catholics and the church was an important spiritual and social center for both the permanent and transient residents of this mining town.
Saint Joseph's held the first recored solemn High Mass in Idaho on All Soul's Day, November 1, 1868. Idaho's first bishop, Bishop Lootens celebrated Mass there in November of 1869. Throughout the latter part of the nineteenth and most of the twentieth century the church was without a resident pastor due to the decline in mining activity and the accompanying decrease in population.
This building is on the National Register of Historic Buildings in America.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical date for this entry is June 2, 1867.

Location. 43° 49.614′ N, 115° 49.932′ W. Marker is in Idaho City, Idaho, in Boise County. Marker is at the intersection

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of East Walulla Steet and High Street, on the left when traveling west on East Walulla Steet. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Idaho City ID 83631, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. George Kettler's Blacksmith Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named George Kettler's Blacksmith Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); I.O.O.F. Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pioneer Lodge No. 1 (about 300 feet away); The Idaho World (about 400 feet away); Miners Exchange (about 400 feet away); World War II Memorial (about 500 feet away); U.S. Senator Frank Church (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Idaho City.

Saint Joseph's Catholic Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 3, 2018

2. Saint Joseph's Catholic Church and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2018. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 184 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.