St Joseph Parish in Pepperell was established as a mission of the Parish of Saint Mary in Ayer. A modest church was built on Tarbell Street and dedicated in 1870. Renovations and expansion continued during the next twenty years as the parish grew and evolved. A residence for priests was completed and the land for Saint Joseph Cemetery was purchased.
The parish continued to expand, manufacturing flourished and the character of the surrounding area changed from a rural, farming community. A number of organizations were started: the Holy Name Society, Special Aid Society, and the Propagation of the Faith Society. A number of parishioners entered the seminary and were ordained.
The followed years of economic reverses as the area, like the rest of the world, suffered from the depression. The parish became the center for social gatherings. Remarkably, the parishioners met the challenges of the time, and the parish continued to grow intellectually and spiritually.
During the dark years of World War II, Saint Joseph Parish was a good friend and spiritual leader to the people and the community. The end of the war brought a renewed sense of parish commitment, and the peole united to redecorate the interior of the church and rectory. Over the next ten years, continued focus was given to the intellectual interests of the parishioners with the formation of theological discussion groups for adults and educational and social gatherings for youth.
The continued industrialization of Pepperell and the surrounding communities necessitated a major renovation of the church building in the 1950's. In early 1961, it became apparent that the church would not be adequate to accommodate the ever increasing congregation. The awesome task to build a new church was undertaken, completed and dedicated by Cardinal Cushing on May 5, 1967.
Saint Joseph Parish continued to evolve through the 1970's and 1980's. These were years of great liturgical, social, and financial changes. The parish CCD program grew and expanded with fantastic parishioner involvement. Saint Joseph Parich Council was formed, and it has evolved to the present-day Parish Pastoral Council. Today, the following Committees address the divergent aspects of modern parish life: Liturgical, Christian Service, Parish Activities, R.C.I.A., Religious Education, Pro-Life, Baptism, Catechesis, Couple-to-Couple Marriage Preparation, Youth, and Cemetery.
As we look forward to celebrating the one hundred twenty-fifty anniversary of St. Joseph Parish (1870 - 1995), we are confident that God will continue to provide us with the same blessings, generosity, and enthusiasm that have characterised his parish community in the past.
Last revised: 5/5/98