It was formed in 1857 to serve Catholics too far removed from the downtown Cathedral and the Church of St. Vincent de Paul in South Mobile.

Bishop Michael Portier appointed a Jesuit priest, Father Peter Ismand as the first pastor of St.Joseph Parish in the year 1857.

Father Peter Ismand was a popular priest who ministered the soldiers of both the Confederacy and the Union Armed Forces.

The Jesuits of Spring Hill College were entrusted with the erection of a Church, which they built close to the city hospital in 1858.

A magnificent church building with its soaring nave and spectacular, stained glass windows was designed in Gothic style.

The Jesuits continued to manage the Church and established an endowment to provide ongoing support for the Parish.

The building is a classic medieval reproduction with a gable (slate) to the front nave, a 120-foot centered square tower/ transepts and apse.

The church is entered by the tower and double wooden doors and stained glass windows lead into the sanctuary.

A small free standing semi-circular balcony over the main entrance includes organ pipes but no seating.

In 2017, the Archdiocese of Mobile, Alabama announced its decision to permanently close St. Joseph Church after 109 years of operation.

Saint Joseph's Roman Catholic Church is significant under National Register Criterion as an important high style example of the Second Gothic Revival in Mobile.

The high style design, quality materials and workmanship are typical of Catholic architectural endeavors in the city.