The church began in 1843 when the Jesuits founded the parish to serve the residential community consisting mostly of German immigrants.

Over the years the parish grew, it became obvious that the original church was no longer large enough to serve the congregation.

Bueschers of Chicago, famous for their religious art work, were employed to carve an elaborate altar, which is designed as a replica of the Altar of St. Ignatius in the Jesuit Gesu Church in Rome, except that the figure of St. Joseph and the Christ Child are substituted for the figure of St. Ignatius.

The grateful parishioners raised the additional funds above their original pledge in recognition of their deliverance from the cholera epidemic.

Father Pierre Jean De Smet, noted missionary to the Indians, officiated at the dedication services on December 30, 1866.

This work, which included the addition of an elaborate Romanesque face and twin towers surmounted with delicate cupolas, was completed in 1881.

As the neighborhood began to decline, and parishioners were moving to the newer suburbs, attendance at Mass fell greatly.

For reasons not understood, many of the beautiful objects had been covered in gray paint, including the Stations of the Cross and the ornate carved pulpit.

While the building remains the property of the St. Louis Archdiocese, the operation and maintenance of the church are by The Friends of the Shrine of St. Joseph, a 501.c.3 non-profit organization.