From 1937 to 1956, Fr. George Scheidler was pastor.  His tenure would be the longest at St. Joseph Hill, 19 years, 10 months, and 4 days– exceeding Fr. Dickmann by a few months.

In 1940 a three story garage was built next to the rectory, in place of an old barn.

The sexton’s (caretaker’s) house was built during Fr. Scheidler’s time.

 

Louis Meyer, the St. Joseph Hill sexton, dug graves in the cemetery by hand until 1985.

The Ohio River flooded again in 1937, at the highest levels recorded.

1941 The United States enters World War II.

1950 The United States enters the Korean War.

Parishioner Carl Popp stands next to a statue of the Blessed Mother in Korea, the only thing intact after intense bombing.

Brothers Alfred, Carl and Elmer Popp all served in the Korean War, and represent all the fine men and women of St. Joseph Hill who served their country in civil, regional and world conflicts.

Fr. George Sebastian

Rev. George Sebastian became pastor after a short term as Administrator by Rev. Francis Dooley.

The pulpit was removed during this time (see stairs to pulpit on left in picture).  The wooden divider in the pews was also removed. 

 

Parishioners paid “pew rent”, $5.00 annually per 1/2 pew.  Each pew has a number at the end, and you sat in your “rented” pew.

1959 The convent was built for the sisters, which now serves as the parish offices.

 

A new cistern was built and water run to all the buildings.  Restrooms and a classroom were added to the school in 1961.

 

The land where the current parish hall sits was purchased from Peter P. Renn.