St. Joseph parish was established in February, 1844 to serve a growing population in New Orleans. The original St. Joseph church was located on Tulane Avenue, opposite Charity Hospital. It was of medium size Gothic architecture, with a tall front steeple. This original St. Joseph church, later called St. Katherine church, was demolished in 1964. The present church, pictured on the night light, was dedicated on Sunday, December 18, 1892 and officially opened for parochial services on January 1, 1893.